Echinops ritro ruthenicus

Undemanding, unfazed by heat and happy as a clam in ordinary soil with some drainage, "Globe Thistle" is a simple to grow, magnetic choice for the dry garden. Impressive, 3" across, richly colored blue "tennis balls" stand out on strong multi-branching ghostly white stems above finely cut, shimmery silver foliage to 2' across. Mid-Summer to Fall blooms are much loved by butterflies and make different and fun cut flowers, too - fresh or dried! Drought tolerant but prettier with occasional Summer water. Makes a great carefree container subject (5+ gal. size). Deciduous. Tolerates heat and poor soil provided it drains well. Deer resistant! 3' x 2'.