About
This clump-forming perennial with woolly grey stems and spiny, hairy, grey-green divided leaves. Spherical white 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
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 usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationTolerates most soils and positions, but thrives in poor, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningDeadhead to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn, or by root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free