Echinops ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’ (Globe Thistle) is a bold, upright perennial valued for its distinctive metallic blue, globe-shaped flowers. The plant forms a sturdy clump of deeply lobed, gray-green leaves with silvery undersides that add texture to the garden even before blooming. In mid to late summer, strong stems rise above the foliage bearing round, spiky blue flower heads that create a striking architectural effect in perennial borders. The unusual blooms are highly attractive to bees and butterflies and are excellent for fresh or dried floral arrangements. This hardy plant performs well in prairie gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Size: Height: 80–120 cm (32–48 in.). Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in.)
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Average to poor, well-drained soil
- Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Maintenance: Deadhead to encourage additional blooms and prevent self-seeding; divide every 3–4 years if needed
- Hardiness: Zone 3–8, suitable for Saskatchewan climates