Echinops (Globe Thistle) - Ritro

Echinops ‘Ritro’, commonly known as Globe Thistle, is a bold, drought-tolerant perennial prized for its steel-blue, globe-shaped flower heads and spiny, silver-green foliage. Blooming from mid to late summer, Ritro adds unique texture, form, and color contrast to borders, wildflower meadows, and pollinator gardens. Its spiky, spherical blooms sit atop sturdy stems and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while deterring deer and rabbits. Excellent for both fresh and dried flower arrangements, this tough, low-maintenance plant thrives in poor soil and hot, dry conditions, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and sunny perennial beds.

Key Features:

• Striking steel-blue, globe-shaped blooms.
• Textured silver-green foliage adds contrast.
• Blooms from mid to late summer.
• Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
• Excellent cut flower for fresh or dried arrangements.
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Perfect for sunny borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower areas.

Plant Care Instructions:

• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily); essential for strong flowering and compact growth.
• Watering: Water during establishment, then only as needed. Extremely drought-tolerant once mature.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, poor to moderately fertile soil. Avoid overly rich or wet conditions.
• Temperature & Hardiness Zone: Hardy in Zones 3–8.
• – Withstands winter temperatures down to –37 °C (–35°F) when properly established.
• Fertilizer: Rarely needs feeding. Too much fertilizer can result in floppy growth—use compost at planting if needed.
• Pruning & Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Cut back to the base in late fall or early spring.