A member of the Aster family
Echinops is a clumping perennial that is very easy to grow but not invasive
Intense blue spheres measuring 1.5" across appear on tall, unbranched stems
Bumblebees and nocturnal moths delight in their sweet nectar
This variety is very similar to E.ritro with leaves that are more deeply divided and hairy
Distinctive flowers rise above the showy silvery green foliage
Though they look prickly, they are not as rough to the touch as you might expect
Echinops makes a great cut flower or dried everlasting
They add a unique element to any arrangement and are becoming more popular with florists every year
