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Globe Thistle

Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus

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Overview

The Globe Thistle, Echinops ritro 'Ruthenicus', is a robust perennial producing striking, spherical, metallic blue flower heads atop silvery, thistle-like foliage. Mature plants reach up to 3-4 feet high and spread 2-3 feet wide. Drought-resistant and preferring full sun, it thrives in USDA zones 3-8. Its blooms make excellent cut flowers or dried arrangements. Blooming from mid to late summer, it attracts pollinators while being deer resistant. Ideal for xeriscapes and gravel gardens.

Sun FullWater LowZones 4–8Climate Temperate
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — is a robust perennial producing striking

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
4–8

Shape & size

Mature height
2–3 Ft.
Mature width
1–2 Ft.

Classification

Family
Polemoniaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (172)

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — blue flowers in the garden; with a vivid metallic blue hue, image 172
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent self-seeding; each globe typically, image 168
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — starkly contrasting blooms from midsummer through early fall; blue flowers in the garden, image 170
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — enhancing the ecological value of the landscape; its blooms make excellent cut flowers or dried, image 167

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