Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow'

– Bees (especially bumblebees) love the nectar-rich flowers

– Butterflies and other beneficial insects frequently visit

– Birds may feed on dried seed heads in late fall/winter

– Spring: Emerges with bold, textured foliage

– Summer: Striking silver-white globe flowers dominate

– Fall: Seed heads dry attractively and persist

– Winter: Structural interest if seed heads are left standing

Backs of borders, cottage gardens, wildlife and pollinator gardens, xeriscapes, dried and cut flower arrangements

– Deeply lobed, spiny, thistle-like leaves

– Silvery-green to gray foliage with woolly undersides

– Adds texture and contrast even when not in bloom

– Bloom time: Mid to late summer (July to September)

– Form: Dense, spherical flower heads (1.5–2" wide)

– Color: Silvery-white with a subtle icy blue tint – hence 'Arctic Glow'

– Held on sturdy, upright stems above the foliage

– Site selection: Choose a sunny, well-drained location; avoid areas with standing water or heavy clay

– Soil preparation: Amend soil with sand or grit if needed for drainage; performs best in poor to moderately fertile soil

– Planting depth: Plant crown just at or slightly above soil level

– Spacing: Space plants about 18–24 inches apart to allow for airflow and mature spread

– Timing: Plant in spring or early fall to allow roots to establish before extreme temperatures

– Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend flowering and prevent self-seeding

– Cut back foliage to the ground in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges

– Optional: Leave seed heads standing over winter for wildlife and ornamental value

– Drought tolerant once established

– Water regularly during establishment (first growing season)

– After establishment, water only during prolonged dry periods

– Full sun (minimum 6 hours/day) is essential for best flowering and compact growth

– Tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates but may become leggy

– Best time to harvest: When flower heads are fully formed and just opening

– Cutting for fresh arrangements: Use sharp shears; stems can last 7–10 days in vase

– For drying: Harvest before full bloom; hang upside down in a dry, dark, airy place

– Use: Excellent in dried floral crafts and arrangements

– Minimal fertilization needed; over-fertilizing leads to weak stems and flopping

– Optional: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring only if soil is very poor

– Pollination type: Self-pollinating but heavily reliant on insect activity

– Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with nectar-rich flowers

– Encourages biodiversity in pollinator gardens

Choose companions that enjoy similar conditions (sunny and dry) and complement Echinops' architectural form and silvery-blue flowers:

– Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) – Airy lavender-blue plumes complement the round globe flowers

– Echinacea purpurea – Bold daisy-like flowers contrast nicely in color and shape

– Salvia nemorosa – Vertical spikes provide contrast to globe-shaped blooms

– Achillea (Yarrow) – Flat flower heads and ferny foliage contrast beautifully

– Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – Succulent leaves and late-season color add structure

– Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear) – Silvery foliage enhances the cool tone of Echinops

– Gaillardia or Coreopsis – Warm-colored blooms create strong complementary contrast

– Ornamental grasses – Like Panicum, Festuca, or Stipa, add texture and movement