Echinops ritro Veitchs Blue is the accepted RHS name for the plant entered as Echinops Veitchs Dwarf Blue. This compact, Upright, Clump-forming herbaceous Perennial in Asteraceae reaches about 90-100 cm high and 45-50 cm wide. Stiff stems carry deeply divided, spiny Green leaves that are dark above and downy White beneath. Abundant spherical steel-Blue flower heads, about 2.5-5 cm across, appear from July through September and may repeat in fall.
Grow in USDA zones 3-8 in Full sun or Partial shade, preferably with East, South, or West exposure. Poor to average Well Drained Soil based on Chalk, Loam, or Sand is suitable at any pH. Avoid rich soil and routine feeding because overly fertile conditions can weaken the Upright stems. Once established, the plant tolerates drought and dry soil. Use about 45 cm between plants. Deadhead to limit self-seeding or cut back after the first bloom to encourage a second flush.
The geometric flower heads bring architectural structure to cottage, gravel, wildlife, courtyard, border, and cutting gardens. Nectar and pollen support bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, and the heads work as fresh or dried cut flowers. Plant with Cynara cardunculus, Echinacea, or Miscanthus, three directly recommended late-summer companions. Propagate by seed, division, or winter root cuttings. Monitor for aphids and lace bugs; no serious disease problem is generally reported.