Echinops ritro

Globe Thistle is a well-behaved perennial for the border, despite its name. Plants form a bushy upright mound of thistly looking grey-green leaves, bearing stems of ball-shaped flowers steel-blue through the summer. Excellent for cutting fresh or drying. Attractive to butterflies. Globe Thistle should be divided every 3 to 4 years, in early spring. Plants may be trimmed to the ground in late fall, or left for winter interest. In areas with wet soil in winter, better success may come from growing these in a raised bed. May need staking.