Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000552
11/12/99
Echinops ritro--Globe Thistle
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Height: 4 ft Spread: 2 ft
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Blue
Comments: Globe Thistle has prickly foliage and produces
blue, globe-shaped flowers (Vis. 1) that have a metallic
appearance. If the flowers are cut before the pollen
shows, they can be dried. These long-lived plants are
drought tolerant and like a growing area in full sun with
a light soil. Use Globe Thistle behind other plants to
hide the deteriorated lower foliage.
Propagation. Propagation is by seed, division, or root
cuttings. The seed germinates in 15 to 20 days at
temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees. Some of the seedlings
may be of inferior types. Make root cuttings 2 to 3
inches long. Pieces or root left in the ground during
division act as root cuttings.
Cultivars:
'Blue Glow' - Light blue flowers.
'Taplow Blue' - Large flower heads.
References for Cultivars: Wayside Gardens 1999, Berryhill
Nurseries 1999.
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This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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