Echinops ritro is a reliable and resilient perennial producing strong, upright stems in summer with silver-green architectural leaves and topped with eye-catching globe-shaped clusters of bright blue flowers. A magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, this is a great choice if you’re gardening with wildlife in mind. Awarded and RHS AGM, this variety shows excellent garden performance. Coping well with most soils and conditions, including exposed and coastal sites, this easy-to-grow and low-maintenance perennial puts on an effortless show which returns every year. Pot up plants and grow them on in frost free conditions until all risk of frost has passed. When plants are well grown, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before transplanting into borders and containers. The herbaceous perennials in this collection can be grown in any moist, fertile soil, in sun or semi shade. Work some compost or general fertiliser into the top 20cm of the soi