About
An upright, clump-forming perennial with divided, spiny grey-green leaves and spherical flowerheads of silvery-white, star-shaped flowers on sturdy, well-branched stems.
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, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationBest in poor, well-drained soils in full sun but will grow well in almost any soil or situation except heavy shade
PruningCut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division or by root cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free