What A genus of around 218 species of annuals, biennials, and herbaceous perennials, commonly known as globe thistles. Only a small proportion of globe thistle species have reached gardens in the UK – the majority are cultivars of Echinops bannaticus and Echinops ritro.
Origins Species originating from across Europe, Africa and Asia. Of the cultivars grown in the UK, most originate from cooler regions of Europe.
Season Attractive jagged foliage from spring to midsummer. Flowers emerge first in midsummer, often re-flowering in autumn.
Variable between species and cultivars. cultivars typically reach a maximum height of 1m with a spread of 50-70cm. Echinops cultivars can reach 1.5-2m tall with a spread of 70cm-1m. Richer soils produce wider and bushier plants while in poorer soils plants are more compact and upright.
