Echinops ritro - 'Taplow Blue' (Globe Thistle)

Type	Herbaceous flower, Deciduous, Flowering
Form	Spiky Foliage / Spiky Upright Form, Architectural Form
Size	Medium Border Plant (50-180cm height)
Colours	Blue Flowers (Summer), Grey-blue Foliage
Care	Some Maintenance Required - Tough Plant
Hardiness	Frost Hardy, Drought Tolerant, Seaside Friendly
Growth	Medium Growing Plant
Earmark this plant

Cultivation notes: This tough perennial prefers a well drained fertile or slightly impoverished soil. Preferring full sun but will tolerate part shade. Dead head in autumn and propagate old clumps by division. Mulch once every few years to feed and stake taller flowers.

Plant Strengths: Sun loving draught tolerant plant; Spiney growth can deter unwanted visitors! All round tough plant suitable for problem areas; Architectural plant – ideal as a ‘stand out’ plant; Suitable for exposed coastal planting; Tolerates full sun and sandy, drought-prone soils; Tolerates cold exposed locations.

Plant Weaknesses: Spiney plant - can scratch young children and gardeners!