Unpack bare roots on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Echinops
'Veitch's Blue'
globe thistle
Bring in the bees and butterflies with pollinator magnet Echinops 'Veitch's Blue'. This globe thistle is a must-have for wildlife gardens—the ball-like blooms not only look fantastic but put on a nectar feast for bees and butterflies. Steely-blue, starry blooms cover the flowerheads which are heralded at the top of every silvery, upright stem. This structural plant brings months of interest, even after flowering. Plant your Echinops 'Veitch's Blue' bare roots in borders and enjoy the flower colour in summer, then watch as they slowly fade to silver-grey, which is how they remain as a frosty-looking feature through autumn and winter.
If you’re into creating indoor arrangements with home-grown flowers, Echinops 'Veitch's Blue' will provide plenty of cutting material—both when in bloom and after the season has passed and the flowers have dried. Low-maintenance globe thistles are heat and drought tolerant, the spiny, grey-green foliage with felted white undersides reduces water loss. Partner Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue' with tall grasses, perovskia, salvias and other silver-leaved plants to create a drought resistant Mediterranean-style planting scheme. They thrive in most conditions but are particularly useful in coastal areas where soils are typically sandy and light.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue'
- Flower colour
- Blue
- Established height
- 90cm-1.2m
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green, blue
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 9 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Dry - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Cut flower gardens
Pots
Large containers - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Fragrant
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
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From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
