Echinops Ritro

Echinops Ritro is a striking and stately plant with spiky, steely blue globe-shaped flowers made up of tiny starry blooms. These sit above cobwebbed leaves — green on top, grey underneath — adding texture and interest from spring through to late summer. Tough, drought-tolerant, and low maintenance, it thrives in sun and copes well with poor or dry soils, making it a great choice for borders, gravel gardens, or wildlife-friendly spaces.

🌸 Flowering: mid to late summer

📏 Height: to 120cm

🌿Perennial 

SOW & GROW
Sow seeds in April or May in pots or modules. Cover with a bit of perlite or vermiculite and pop them in a cold frame. They usually take about 2–3 weeks to germinate.

As the seedlings grow, prick them out into their own pots and keep them going until they’re ready to plant out in September or October. These plants don’t ask for much—just give them a sunny spot and they’ll be happy. The leaves stay low, while the tall flowering stems shoot up above.

Space them about 50–60cm apart to give them room to show off. Established clumps can be divided in spring or autumn to keep them healthy and productive.

ENJOY
A hit with bees and butterflies, and brilliant for cutting fresh or drying for winter displays. The dried seed heads also add structure and interest to your garden through the colder months.