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Herbaceous Perennial

Echinops ritro alba
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

white-flowered small globe thistle

A robust, upright herbaceous perennial, with jaggedy-divided, prickly dark green leaves whitish beneath. Rounded, white flower heads on silvery, branched, leafy stems.

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer White Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Echinops can be annuals, biennials or perennials with simple or pinnately lobed, spiny leaves and spherical blue or whitish flower-heads

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Best in well drained, nutrient poor soils in full sun.

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Propagate by root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Can cut back after flowering. Alternatively leave flower heads over winter for architectural interest and for wildlife habitats.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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