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Echinops
Bloom time: Summer to early autumn.
The name Echinops comes from the Greek, meaning "looks like a hedgehog." The cool blue flowers do, indeed, form spiky spheres that are very attractive to butterflies, moths, bees, and other pollinators. Before it blooms, the silvery foliage looks good on its own, a bit reminiscent of Cardoon, but on smaller plants. Echinops is a member of the Aster family. When handling the plants, be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves, as they become rather prickly as they mature. The flowers are not edible.
Platinum Blue
Perennial (P)
From July to September, spherical, spiky, silvery-blue flowers appear at the top of these erect-growing 1m (3’) tall plants. The foliage is also silver, and in full sun the plant will develop into clumps with many stems. The flowers are excellent candidates for cut or dried purposes, and attract a wide variety of beneficial insects, from wild bees to butterflies. An easy to grow perennial for the corner of the vegetable garden or the middle of the border. Echinops is fast growing and long lived. Plants will come back for up to ten years. Best of all it is resistent to deer and rabbits.