Globe Thistle

Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus

Design with this plant

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

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (172)

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Drought-resistant and preferring full sun, it thrives in USDA zones 3-8; metallic blue flower heads atop silvery

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — metallic blue flower heads atop silvery; demonstrating a robust tolerance to drought conditions once established

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — is a robust perennial producing striking; this hardy species boasts striking spherical flower heads

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Echinops ritro 'Ruthenicus'; mature plants reach up to 3-4 feet high and spread 2-3 feet wide

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — annual / wildflower for full

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — annual / wildflower with blue blooms

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — blue flowers in the garden

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — adding a touch of drama and allure to their outdoor canvas

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent self-seeding

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — starkly contrasting blooms from midsummer through early fall

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Its blooms make excellent cut flowers or dried arrangements; hailing from the Asteraceae family

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — with a vivid metallic blue hue; deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent self-seeding

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — this hardy species boasts striking spherical flower heads; but also for its resilience

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Hailing from the Asteraceae family; or Echinops ritro 'Ruthenicus'

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — or Echinops ritro 'Ruthenicus'; is a robust perennial producing striking

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Ideal for xeriscapes and gravel gardens; clients will enjoy its ornamental charms

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Blooming from mid to late summer, it attracts pollinators while being deer resistant; it thrives in USDA hardiness

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — but also for its resilience; enhancing the ecological value of the landscape

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — deeply lobed foliage that stretches on stems rising to a stately height of 2 to 3 feet, image 44

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — each globe typically measuring about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter; echinops ritro 'Ruthenicus'

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8; annual / wildflower for full

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — These blossoms rest atop stiff; ideal for xeriscapes and gravel gardens

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — clients will enjoy its ornamental charms; its unique blossoms are magnets for pollinators

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent self-seeding; each globe typically measuring

Related plants

'Opening Act Blush' Phlox (Phlox hybrid) — Proven Winners - 'Opening Act Blush' - Phlox hybrid pink blush plant details, information and resources

'Opening Act Blush' Phlox

Phlox hybrid

'Opening Act White' Phlox (Phlox hybrid) — Proven Winners - 'Opening Act White' - Phlox hybrid white plant details, information and resources

'Opening Act White' Phlox

Phlox hybrid

'Opening Act Romance' Hybrid Phlox (Phlox hybrid) — Proven Winners - 'Opening Act Romance' - Hybrid Phlox - Phlox hybrid pink rich lavender pink plant details

'Opening Act Romance' Hybrid Phlox

Phlox hybrid

Candy Stripe Moss Phlox (Phlox Subulata 'Candy Stripe') — low-growing perennial boasting eye-catching white and pink striped petals

Candy Stripe Moss Phlox

Phlox Subulata 'Candy Stripe'

Full · Zones 3–10

Variegated Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium Caeruleum) — Reaching heights of 2-3 feet and spreading 18-24 inches

Variegated Jacob's Ladder

Polemonium Caeruleum

Half · Zones 4–8

Opening Act Blush Phlox (Phlox 'Opening Act Blush') — The Opening Act Blush Phlox (Phlox 'Opening Act Blush') is a compact

Opening Act Blush Phlox

Phlox 'Opening Act Blush'

Full · Zones 3–8