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Herbaceous Perennial

Echinops 'Nivalis'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

globe thistle 'Nivalis'

A tall, upright, clump-forming perennial to 2m with stout, branching, pale grey stems supporting hairy, grey-green foliage, with spine-tipped, jagged lobes and, in late summer, spherical white flowerheads 7cm across

Synonyms
Echinops albus
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green Grey Silver
Summer Grey Silver White Green Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus

Echinops can be annuals, biennials or perennials with simple or pinnately lobed, spiny leaves and spherical blue or whitish flower-heads

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Best in poor, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils and partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in seed bed in mid spring, by division in spring or autumn, or by root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prevent self-seeding and cut to the ground in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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