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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 4–8Type Annual, WildflowerClimate Temperate
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — with a vivid metallic blue hue; deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent, image 128

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
4–8

Shape & size

Mature height
2–3 Ft.
Mature width
1–2 Ft.

Classification

Type
Annual, Wildflower
Family
Polemoniaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (190)

Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Echinops ritro 'Ruthenicus'; mature plants reach up to 3-4 feet high and spread 2-3 feet wide, image 146
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent self-seeding; each globe typically, image 110
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — such as bees and butterflies; annual / wildflower with blue blooms, image 79
Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus) — Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent self-seeding; each globe typically measuring
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Echinops Ritro Ruthenicus
Photographs by 2 contributors

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