Echinops ritro
Echinops ritro is a perennial ornamental plant, typically growing 0.6–1.2 m tall. It thrives in full sun with low water needs, preferring loamy, chalky, or sandy soils. Hardy in USDA zones 3–8, it blooms from June to September with blue and purple flowers. This plant is non-fragrant, attracts pollinators, and is non-toxic. It is not evergreen.
Light
Full sun
Watering
Low water
Soil
Loamy, Chalky, Sandy
Height
0.6–1.2 m
Spread
0.3–0.6 m
Zones
3–8
Flower colors
This globe thistle prefers full sun exposure and requires low watering, making it drought-tolerant once established. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including loamy, chalky, and sandy soils. It is well-suited for USDA zones 3 through 8.
Echinops ritro is a striking perennial known for its spherical, blue to purple flower heads, resembling thistles. It blooms throughout the summer months and is highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies. The plant is not fragrant and is considered non-toxic. It is not an evergreen species.