Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.)

Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide.

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.

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

How to plant Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.) – Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cultivation profiles – Growing Small globe thistle (Echinops ritro L.) – Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons