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An unusual flower for the summer garden, these blue thistle-like blooms add a unique texture. If cut back after blooming, they will send up new flowers. They make excellent dried and cut flowers.

Latin Name

Echinops ritro


Family

Asteraceae


Type of Plant

Perennials Perennials

Bloom Season

July - September

Seasons

Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 4'
Max spread Max Spread: 2.5'

Uses

  • Flower Border

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Drought
  • Dry Soil
  • Rabbit
  • Shallow-Rocky Soil

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Butterflies Butterflies

    Colors


    Native Range

    Southeastern Europe


    History

    John Custis of Williamsburg received globe [thistle] from his friend Peter Collinson in 1738.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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