in bloom
now
through Sep
Bloom calendar
Veitch
Herbaceous perennial
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Herbaceous perennial
- Height × spread: 36–42 in (0.9–1.1 m) × 18–24 in (45–60 cm)
- Bloom window: mid summer to early fall
- Color & flower form: deep blue spherical heads
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 3–8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut‑flower notes: Sturdy stems; good fresh and dried.
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- More compact than many globe thistles
- Darker blue heads than the species
- Often reblooms if promptly deadheaded
- Stiffer stems resist leaning
Strengths
- Low maintenance in lean soils
- Handles drought after establishment
- Bees and butterflies frequent blooms
- Deer and rabbit resistant foliage
Care in one minute
Grow in full sun with free‑draining soil.
Keep fertility modest to prevent soft growth.
Water regularly the first season; reduce later.
Shear after first flush to encourage a light rebloom.
Watch‑outs
- May lean in high‑fertility soils
- Spiny foliage can snag hands
- Taproot complicates transplanting
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
A long‑grown selection of Echinops ritro; original raiser and date are not verified in public sources.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Echinops ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’
- Royal Horticultural Society – Echinops ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’
- ASPCA – Echinops spp. non‑toxic to pets
