Echinops ritro subsp. ruthenicus (Small Globe Thistle)
Small Globe Thistle, Blue Hedgehog, Globe Flower, Steel Globe Thistle, Ruthenian Globe Thistle, Echinops ruthenicus
Echinops ritro subsp. ruthenicus (Small Globe Thistle) is an erect herbaceous perennial boasting bright blue, globe-shaped flowers, 2.5 in. across (6 cm) at the end of sturdy, multi-branching, silvery-white stems. Blooming from mid summer to early fall, the bold and ornamental flowers rise above the foliage of glossy, sharply divided, silvery-green leaves, covered in down beneath. Adding outstanding contrast, interest and color to the summer garden while being trouble-free and low maintenance, Small Globe Thistle is more compact than the species and makes an invaluable contribution to the landscape. Perfect for fast draining soils in full, hot sun and dry locations. Truly lovely and perfectly suited to cottage gardens or coastal gardens.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. across (45-60 cm).
- Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor, infertile soils. Rich soils to be avoided. While moisture is required during its growing season, this plant is drought tolerant thereafter.
- A lovely addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens or coastal gardens.
- Resilient to most pests and diseases, deer and rabbit resistant, this is a real magnet for bees or butterflies.
- Propagate by seed sown in seed bed in mid spring. Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Propagate by root cuttings in winter
- Deadhead to prevent self-seeding. Flowers are excellent for dried arrangements. Cut them before they open and dry them upside down.
- Native from southeastern Europe and southern Russia to eastern China.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Echinops - Globe Thistles |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Echinops - Globe Thistles
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Echinops - Globe Thistles |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Echinops - Globe Thistles