Echinops

These hardy perennials are commonly known as the Globe Thistle. They form clumps of deeply divided, spiny leaves, which are gray-green above and fuzzy-white beneath. They produce round, compact heads of tiny pale blue or grayish-white flowers, resembling thistles, atop gray-white stems in late summer. They are natives of southern and central Europe to Russia.

Pot Cultivation

Globe Thistles can live in any well-drained soil as long as it isn't too rich. They will survive in poor, dry soil. They should be in a position with full sun.

Propagation

These plants can be increased by seeds or division in the fall, or by root cuttings in the winter. Seeds are sown in sandy soil in a cold frame. Root cuttings are made by cutting the roots into 2- or 3-inch pieces and placing them in sandy soil in a cold frame.

E. bannaticus

VARIETIES

• E. Ritro;
• E. bannaticus;
• E. Gmelinii;
• E. sphaerocephalus.