Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.).
This plant has several common names including: small globe thistle, blue hedgehog, globe flower or steel globe thistle.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: small globe thistle, blue hedgehog, globe flower, steel globe thistle
Scientific name: Echinops ritro L.
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Informal Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Cut Flowers, Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.) – Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Echinops ritro L. likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.) – Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
