Echinops bannaticus 'Blue Glow'

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Common Name: Globe Thistle

A member of the Aster family, Echinops is a clumping perennial that is very easy to grow but not invasive. Beginning in early summer, intense blue spheres measuring 1.5" across appear on tall, unbranched stems. Bumblebees and nocturnal moths delight in their sweet nectar. This variety is very similar to E. ritro with leaves that are more deeply divided and hairy.

These distinctive flowers rise above the showy silvery green foliage. Though they look prickly, they are not as rough to the touch as you might expect. Echinops makes a great cut flower or dried everlasting. They add a unique element to any arrangement and are becoming more popular with florists every year.

Height:

3.0-4.0 Feet

Spread:

2.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer Late Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Echinops is best when grown in poor, well-drained soil and full sun. However, it will tolerate almost any soil and part shade. To encourage rebloom in the fall and to prevent self-seeding, spent flowers should be removed.

Mature plants 3 or more years old may be propagated by removing the small plantlets surrounding the main clump of foliage and replanting them. This may be done in either spring or fall.

Fun Facts

Characteristics