Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.

Ritro

Flower

Echinops ritro

Overview
1-3" wide globes take on a steel-blue hue as they mature. Dries well. Globes add texture and color to fresh and dried arrangements. Spines are minimal compared to similar types, but gloves are recommended for harvesting as the leaves and stems are a bit prickly. Begins blooming mid-summer in the second year after planting. Tolerant of hot, dry growing conditions, once established. Also commonly known as southern globethistle. Perennial in zones 3-8.
Planting
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost (seeds need light, press to surface), or direct sow after last frost. Cold stratification 2-3 weeks improves germination. Transplant after hardening off.
Growing
Sun: full. Water: low. Soil: Well-drained; poor to moderately fertile loam or amended clay with sand/perlite. Space plants 18" apart. Germination: 10-14 days.