Echinops 'Platinum Blue'

This sought after stunner is certainly worth a grow. Easy care, tolerant of poor soils and certainly spectacular.

The deeply dissected, thistle like leaves lend a wonderful texture and striking architectural element to the garden. From this clumping foliage emerge erect, silver stems topped with ping pong ball sized blooms. The lilac globes last an age and are sensational as cut flowers and can even be dried.

The late summer blooms can last well into autumn and even beyond when deadheaded.

This low maintenance stunner is surprisingly hardy. It loves the sun, doesn’t mind poor soils and is dry tolerant once established. Echinops will grow to form a nice, healthy clump. Cut back when you are ready, the senescent foliage and flowers will hold their own over winter for an early spring prune – or you might prefer they are cut back when the silver turns to bronze.