Echinops bannaticus Star Frost

Echinops bannaticus 'Star Frost' is a tall perennial known for its very striking appearance. The greyish-green foliage, silver on the underside, is divided into thorny segments. Silver-white inflorescences appear from July to September atop stems nearly 1m (3ft) tall.

Belonging to the Asteraceae family, Echinops bannaticus 'Star Frost' is a beautiful horticultural cultivar. Hardy and vigorous, the white globe thistle thrives in sunny and warm locations, and grows well in rocky or sandy, well-drained soils.

This unique globe thistle will easily fit into any contemporary composition as a background plant in a sunny border or dry garden, alongside artemisias and yarrows, foxtail lilies and giant feather grass, or in combination with coneflowers. It also makes excellent fresh or dried cut flowers.

The genus name comes from the Greek ekhinos (hedgehog) and opsis (resembling), referring to the small, prickly mammal, a useful companion in our gardens.