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About this product
Echinops ritro / 2L
Echinops ritro
Confirmed format: 2 litre pot
Plant Highlights
- Striking steel-blue spherical flower heads
- Upright, clumping growth habit with green foliage
- Flowering from July to September
- Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Supports bees, butterflies and pollinators
- Excellent for fresh or dried cut flower displays
Overview
Echinops ritro is a striking, easy-care herbaceous perennial prized for its unique architectural form and vibrant metallic blooms. From July to September, sturdy upright stems bear perfect spherical flower heads of intense violet-blue above a mound of deeply divided green foliage. Reaching a mature height of 50–100 cm with a spread of 10–50 cm, this robust perennial thrives in full sun and free-draining soil. Extremely drought-tolerant once established, it is a magnificent addition to sunny borders, gravel gardens, and cottage planting schemes, while its dense flower globes make outstanding fresh or dried cut flower displays.
Why We Love It
- Striking steel-blue globular blooms that bring exceptional architectural form to borders.
- Reliable summer flowering display lasting from July through September.
- Low-maintenance nature with excellent drought tolerance once established.
- Active wildlife value, supporting bees, butterflies and pollinators.
- Superb suitability for both fresh arrangements and dried flower displays.
Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Echinops ritro |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Foliage Persistence | Deciduous |
| Flower Colour | Violet, blue, and multicolour |
| Flowering Season | July to September |
| Foliage Colour | Green |
| Growth Habit | Upright and clumping |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil Texture | Chalk, loam, and sand |
| Drainage | Free-draining and well-drained |
| Moisture | Dry and average |
| Mature Height | 50–100 cm |
| Mature Spread | 10–50 cm |
| Hardiness | RHS H7 |
| Care Level | Easy |
Growing Guide
| Position | Plant in a full sun position with south-facing, west-facing, or east-facing aspects, in exposed or sheltered locations. |
|---|---|
| Soil | Grow in chalk, loam, or sand soils that offer free-draining or well-drained qualities with dry to average moisture. |
| Watering | Has a low water need and is drought-tolerant once established. |
| Deadheading | Deadheading is recommended to keep plants tidy. |
Perfect For
- Borders and middle or back of border planting
- Cottage garden schemes
- Gravel gardens and coastal gardens
- Wildlife and pollinator-friendly spaces
- Fresh and dried cut flower displays
Good to Know
- Features a thorn hazard.
- Pet safer plant choice for gardens.
- Offers interest from July through October.
Product Information
| Product Title | Echinops ritro / 2L |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinops ritro |
| Supplied Format | 2 litre pot |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
Growing & care
- Plant type
- perennial
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained
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