Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'
blue globe thistle
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- Standard £5.95
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: July to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Spherical, bright blue flower-heads up to 5cm (2in) across in July and August and prickly, grey-green leaves. This gorgeous globe thistle is highly attractive to butterflies and bees. An eye-catching, yet undemanding perennial for the back of a herbaceous or mixed border, it's best planted in poor, well-drained soil in full sun.
Tolerant of a wide range of soil types - poor, infertile, dry and well-drained, although surprisingly, can grow in rich soils. This is a tap-rooted plant that is unlikely to divide or transplant successfully. Prefers full sun, but can be grown in partial shade. Deadhead flowers to prevent self seeding or leave alone and let the frosts do the work.