ECHINOPS RITRO

A useful perennial with 1-3” lustrous steel blue globular heads adding texture and colour to fresh and dried arrangements. 2 ½ -3'. HP.

Echinops or Globe Thistle is a robust, upright, hardy perennial. The flowers, which have a metallic lustre and will attract many bees and butterflies into the garden, may be cut and dried for winter decoration. 

Sow from late winter to late spring or late summer to early autumn, planting the seeds 2.5cm (1in) apart in a peaty mix compost using small pots or deep cell seed-trays and cover lightly. Echinops seedlings need a lot of root room to get started. 

Once the seedlings have developed their first pair of true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant into individual 3 inch pots. For autumn sown seedlings, pot on and grow for another year before planting outside permanently.

Echinops are best planted in poor, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils in full sun and can tolerate partial shade.