About
A clump-forming perennial with upright, grey, woolly stems and spiny, hairy, grey-green divided leaves. Spherical blue-grey to blue flowerheads, up to 5cm across, are produced in mid- and late summer.
About the genus
Echinops can be annuals, biennials or perennials with simple or pinnately lobed, spiny leaves and spherical blue or whitish flower-heads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in poor, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in seed bed in mid spring. Propagate by division in spring or autumn or by root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free