small globe thistle
Echinops ritro
RHS AGM 1996
USDA zones3 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall18 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Blue
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro) is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average soil of most types. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first. Its blue globe flowers open in early to late summer and attract butterflies and bees. The gray and green leaves add contrast to the bed.
Pairs well with Blanket flower, Blonde Ambition blue grama, and Knapweed.
Native range
Africa.