Globe Thistle

Echinops ritro

Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro) is a medium-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 3-8, that matures to about 3-4 ft × 2-2.5 ft. It does best in full sun with low water needs in well-drained and occasionally-dry soil. Expect blue blooms in summer and fall. It attracts butterflies and pollinators, stands up well to deer, drought and dry soil.

USDA zones

3-8

Sun

Full sun

Water

Low

Mature size

3-4 ft × 2-2.5 ft

Growth rate

Medium

Maintenance

Low

Soil

Well-drained, Occasionally-dry

Bloom color

Blue

Bloom season

Summer, Fall

Attracts

Butterflies, Pollinators

Tough against

Deer, Drought, Dry soil, Poor soil, Rabbits

Native to

Central and eastern Europe, Asia