in bloom
now
through Sep
Bloom calendar
Blue Glow
Herbaceous perennial
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)
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
