Echinops blue globe thistleThis is definitely my plant of this week – having spotted it bulk planted in a large border within view of the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. A fantastic plant for pollinators – bees were all over them when I took this photo in mid-July. These plants would look wonderful inter-planted within a perennial border with grasses.

 

 

 

A bit about the plant

Suggested uses

Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Wildlife, Gravel, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Grows best in poor, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils. Tolerates part shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy.

Soil drainage

Well-drained.

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral.

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun.

Aspect

South, East, West.

Exposure

Exposed.

UK hardiness

Hardy (H4).