About
A strong, upright herbaceous perennial, with jaggedy-divided, prickly dark green leaves whitish beneath. Rounded, white flower heads on silvery, branched, leafy 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationBest in well drained, nutrient poor soils in full sun.
PruningCan cut back after flowering. Alternatively leave flower heads over winter for architectural interest and for wildlife habitats.
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn. Propagate by root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free