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(Echinops ruthenicus)
Small Globe Thistle (Echinops ruthenicus)
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Patrick Hacker
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Patrick Hacker
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Patrick Hacker | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Patrick Hacker | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-08-07T15:38-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Echinops ruthenicus, commonly known as the small globe thistle, is a herbaceous perennial thistle native to Central and Eastern Europe, including regions such as the Balkans and Ukraine. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and rocky slopes. This species reaches a height of 2-3 feet and forms a compact, bushy silhouette. The foliage is deeply lobed with a prickly texture, and the plant is known for its spherical, steel-blue flower heads that measure 2.5 cm - 4.5 cm in diameter, blooming from July to September. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and add a unique texture to garden settings.
The small globe thistle is valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in poor soils. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and rock gardens. The striking blue flowers are excellent for adding visual interest to borders and wildflower gardens, and they also make long-lasting cut flowers. In cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally disease-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
The small globe thistle is valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in poor soils. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and rock gardens. The striking blue flowers are excellent for adding visual interest to borders and wildflower gardens, and they also make long-lasting cut flowers. In cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally disease-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to meadows, grasslands, and rocky slopes in Central and Eastern Europe
Other Names
Common Names: Southern Globe-Thistle, Southern Globethistle
Scientific Names: , Echinops ruthenicus, Echinops ritro subsp. ruthenicus, Echinops ritro var. ruthenicus, Echinops rito subsp. ruthenicus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Echinops ritro subsp. ruthenicus (M.Bieb.) Nyman