Echinops ruthenicus 'Platinum Blue'

Globe Thistle

Echinops ritro ssp. ruthenicus 'Platinum Blue'

Herbaceous Perennial

This bold and showy perennial is highly ornamental and fun to grow. Ball-shaped globes of 3" light blue flowers are held above on silvery stems. These curious bobs of blue are sure to draw comments from garden visitors. Its foliage is deeply cut, shaped like lances. Despite their common name, Echinops are not thistles, They are a highly ornamental perennial with silvery pointed foliage and deeply divided green basal leaves. Provides carefree summer color. Does well in any soil and dries well for winter bouquets.

Maintenance Tips: Deadhead initial blooms and several smaller shorter blooms will appear. Once done blooming, cut all flower stalks to the basal foliage and leave to overwinter. Clean up in spring. I've heard that these plants are slow to recover after being moved or divided. They suggest that it can be divided in early spring by carefully splitting a few offsets from the base of an established clump.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Occasional

Soil: Acidic, Sandy

Description

Size: 36 - 36 tall x 18 - 24 wide
Shape / Form: Irregular, Upright
Foliage Texture: Coarse
Foliage Quality: Coarse

Features: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Flowers, Long Blooming

Foliage Color: Silver / Gray

Flower Color: Blue
Bloom Season: Late Summer / Early Fall, Summer
Flower Shape: Sphere


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Beds and Borders, Cutting Garden, Hell Strip, Mixed Border
Special Situations: Deer Resistant, Heat Tolerant, Low Water / No Water, Reflected Heat, Seaside / Salt Tolerant
Wildlife: Bees, Beneficial Insects, Butterflies, Deer Resistant, Pollinators

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Summer, Late Summer / Early Fall
Position / Role: mid-plane filler

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low

Suitable Substitutes

Perfect Partners

Achillea millefolium 'Walther Funcke' | Yarrow
Stipa gigantea | Giant Feather Grass
Verbascum chaixii 'Gainsborough' | Mullein , Old Man's Flannel

Plant Combos