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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

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) — this hardy species boasts striking spherical flower heads
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Hailing from the Asteraceae family
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Blooming from mid to late summer, it attracts pollinators while being deer resistant
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Its blooms make excellent cut flowers or dried arrangements
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Drought-resistant and preferring full sun, it thrives in USDA zones 3-8
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — or Echinops ritro 'Ruthenicus'
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Mature plants reach up to 3-4 feet high and spread 2-3 feet wide
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Ideal for xeriscapes and gravel gardens
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Echinops ritro 'Ruthenicus'
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — is a robust perennial producing striking
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — metallic blue flower heads atop silvery
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — enhancing the ecological value of the landscape
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — such as bees and butterflies
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — deeply lobed foliage that stretches on stems rising to a stately height of 2 to 3 feet
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — and is best situated in full sun exposers
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — demonstrating a robust tolerance to drought conditions once established
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — but also for its resilience
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — each globe typically measuring about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — with a vivid metallic blue hue
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — its unique blossoms are magnets for pollinators
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — These blossoms rest atop stiff
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — clients will enjoy its ornamental charms
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Mature plants reach up to 3-4 feet high and spread 2-3 feet wide; starkly contrasting blooms from midsummer through

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