Echinops ritro ruthenicus

Undemanding, heat tolerant, and handsome in even ordinary well-drained soil, Echinops ritro subsp. ruthenicus is a wonderfully easy globe thistle for dry gardens, pollinator plantings, perennial borders, and carefree containers. Its impressive 3" rounded blue flower heads stand like richly colored little tennis balls on strong, branching, ghostly-white stems above finely cut, shimmering silver foliage. Also known as blue globe thistle, this deer resistant perennial grows about 3' tall and 2' wide, blooming from mid-summer into fall when butterflies are very happy to find it. The architectural flowers are fabulous fresh or dried, adding unusual texture to bouquets, meadow-style plantings, and low-water garden designs. Pair it with yarrow, salvias, ornamental grasses, lavender, and other drought tolerant perennials for a bold, silvery-blue display. Plant globe thistle in full sun with well-drained soil. It tolerates heat and poor soil as long as drainage is good, and it is drought tolerant once established, though prettier with occasional summer water. Explore more durable favorites in our perennials and biennials collection.