Echinops ritro subsp. ruthenicus 'Platinum Blue'
globe thistle 'Platinum Blue'
A compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial 80-90cm tall, with silvery-green, thistle-like leaves. Bright, metallic-blue, spherical flower heads are borne on tall, branched, silvery stems in late summer; comes true from seed
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Blue | Green Grey Silver | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ExposedDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Genus
Echinops can be annuals, biennials or perennials with simple or pinnately lobed, spiny leaves and spherical blue or whitish flower-heads
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in poor, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils in full sun and can tolerate partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn or by root cuttings in winter. Propagate by seed in mid-spring - comes true from seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Can cut back after flowering. Alternatively leave flower heads over winter for architectural interest and for wildlife habitats.
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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