Echinops
(Globe thistle) Echinops are one of those plants that you either know or you don’t. Popular with gardeners who have space and big, deep herbaceous borders, they tend to be ignored by those who have smaller gardens. This is because most Echinops can be big. If this is a problem for you try Echinops ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’ as it is ideal for smaller gardens.
Left to right: Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue', Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue', Echinops ritro, Echinops bannaticus 'Albus'
Echinops Flowers & Leaves
Easily recognisable because of the round balls of tightly packed flowers carried on slender, stiff, upright flower stems. Initially the flower balls are spiky, but as the flower buds open, tiny, star-like flowers emerge turning the whole ball a softer colour. As the flowers are so small they are really attractive to bees and butterflies. They are especially good for adding simple, architectural shape to a late summer border. At the base sits a handsome mound of long, jagged-edged, silver-green leaves.
Where Echinops Come From
The plants we grow come from species that originate from areas around the Mediterranean.
Where To Grow Echinops
I find Echinops easy to grow. I have tried them in various gardens where they thrived in very well-drained sandy soil as well as heavy, clay-loam. The only thing they do demand is a fair amount of sun.
How To Care For Echinops
Cut back the flower stems after the flowers have faded to give the roots a chance to regrow. This is something that helps them if they grow in heavier soil. They only require staking in the windiest of positions, need no fertiliser and only need dividing if they get too big.
Echinops Look Good With
Agastache, Helenium, Persicaria, Verbascum & Veronicastum
