About
A clump-forming upright perennial, with silvery-green thistle-like leaves. Pale blue, spherical flower heads are held on tall, grey-green stems throughout the 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 pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toCentral Asia to China (Xinjiang)
Care notes
CultivationBest in poor, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils in full sun and can tolerate partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prevent self-seeding. Cut back after flowering
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