If you’ve been looking for a blue perennial that is bullet-proof when it comes to insect damage and disease, look no further than Echinops ritro.  Named for the Greek word for hedgehog, its spiny bracts are light blue for several weeks before the actual blossoms appear.  The flower blossoms will completely cover the round blossom head after several weeks.  The colour period is 6 to 8 weeks in July and August.

Echinops ritro thrives in the heat and dry and also, as I’ve discovered this summer, it does perfectly well in wet conditions.

Its leaves are shaped like thistle leaves, but aren’t nearly as spiny.  I have combined mine with a ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea.  It would also look very good with grasses and Echinacea (coneflowers).

Height:   80-120 cm (3-4 feet)

Width:  50-80 cm (2-3 feet)

Siting:  Sun - takes a little shade

Bloom period:  6-8 weeks

Barbara’s Stars:  **** 4/5