Echinops bannaticus 'Blue Glow'
This selection produces intense steel blue flower heads on upright stems. It excels in hot, dry sites and lean soils once established. Bloom concentrates in mid summer; a light second flush may follow deadheading. Deeply cut, spiny leaves are white beneath. It is widely used for cutting and drying.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Herbaceous perennial
- Height × spread: 24–48 in (60–120 cm) × 12–24 in (30–60 cm)
- Bloom window: mid summer
- Color & flower form: intense steel blue spherical heads
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 3–8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut‑flower notes: Good cut and dried; harvest when first florets open.
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- More saturated blue than many forms
- Often taller than compact E. ritro cultivars
- Large heads on fewer branches than ‘Taplow Blue’
- Very tolerant of heat and dry soils
Strengths
- Strong color impact
- Heat and drought tolerance after establishment
- Performs in lean soils
- Pollinator friendly
Care in one minute
- Site in full sun with sharp drainage.
- Keep fertility modest; avoid heavy amendments.
- Water to establish; then water during prolonged drought only.
- Deadhead to limit self‑seeding and for a small second flush.
Watch‑outs
- Stems may lean in rich soil
- Taproot resents disturbance
- Self‑seeds if old heads remain
Best uses (tags)
cutting; borders; pollinators; dried flowers
Provenance note
Commonly listed as Echinops bannaticus; some sources mislabel it under E. ritro. Breeder and date not documented.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Glow’
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Glow’
- ASPCA – Echinops spp. non‑toxic to pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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