Duo of Blue and White Globe Thistles

The Duo consists of:

- x 1 Echinops sphaerocephalum 'Arctic Glow': a variety that can reach 1.20 m in height when in bloom, with ivory-white balls. Its stems are reddish-brown, and its foliage is silvery-grey and not very prickly.

- x 1 Echinops ritro 'Veitch’s Blue': a shorter variety (30 to 80 cm in height) that produces deep blue balls with steel highlights. Its tough, green with a hint of grey-blue foliage, is deeply cut and not very prickly.

Plant in spring or autumn, in any well-drained soil, even limestone, in full sun. You can plant these globe thistles in a border of perennials or small bushes, in front of taller shrubs, on a slope, or among rocks in a rock garden. Plant 4 plants per square metre and leave a spacing of 60 cm between other plants. This Duo of thistles will perfectly complement bushy salvias and gauras, regardless of their colour. For a country-style look, add low-growing grasses such as Stipa tenuifolia and Pennisetum 'Hameln'. Also sow some love-in-a-mist and cosmos among your thistles!

A highly versatile duo: it fits perfectly into wild and rustic spaces, but its silhouette, foliage, and flowers are also well-suited for architectural, contemporary, or rocky compositions. It is also an excellent choice to bring a touch of charm to dry gardens in the summer. Its beautiful flowers look stunning with pastel or vibrant blooms, depending on personal taste.

Low-maintenance and very hardy, the globe thistle can self-seed. It is therefore great for holiday homes, low-maintenance gardens, dry gardens, and wildflower enthusiasts.