Echinops growing guide

Echinops

Botanical Name: ‘Blue Glow’: Echinops bannaticus. Globe: E. ritro.
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Size (HxW): ‘Blue Glow’: 80-120cm x 30-60cm. Globe: 60cm x 45cm.
Depth & Spacing: Plant at the same level as in the pot with roots below the soil surface. Space around 30-60cm apart.
Soil: Well drained, not too fussy. They grow best in humus rich, sandy soils.
Aspect: Full sun to light shade. In too much shade they will not flower well.
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean
Frost: Hardy
Water: Water to establish (it will take around 4-6 weeks for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil and gain access to its moisture and nutrients), then only if rainfall is low.
Fertiliser: Apply a well balanced fertiliser in spring with the new foliage.
Flowering Time: Summer to autumn
After Flower Care: Cut off any spent flowers regularly to encourage more, OR cut back by half after the first flush, then fertilise to encourage a second blooming into autumn.
Notes: Cut back to the ground in winter/early spring once flowering has finished to keep foliage fresh and tidy. Flowers suitable for picking and drying. Keep an eye out for aphids, especially in summer, treat with your choice of insecticide (home made or commercial) or simply remove by hand. Flowers can set seed but not at any great pace, it is yet to happen in my garden, though I keep hoping.

Echinops