What is the common name for Echinops ritro?
Echinops ritro, the southern globe thistle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, from Spain east to Turkey, Ukraine, and Belarus, and western and central Asia east to Mongolia. Echinops can readily be grown from seed sown in spring. However, like many perennials with chubby and fleshy roots, the easiest way to propagate them is to lift and divide the clumps or to take root cuttings into the greenhouse in winter and grow them on into growth with bottom heat in a loose compost.Echinops seedlings need a lot of root room to get started. Once the seedlings have developed their first pair of true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant into individual 3 inch pots. For autumn sown seedlings, pot on and grow for another year before planting outside permanently.Cut back Echinops in autumn or leave until spring. In sheltered gardens, dry Echinops seedheads can be striking and sculptural, particularly when touched with frost. Globe thistles are fully herbaceous, dying back each year.Echinops will self-seed freely and you can collect seed in autumn. Alternatively you can divide plants in autumn or spring, or take root cuttings when dormant.
What is Echinops ritro used for?
Echinops ritro L. Asteraceae) is traditionally used in the treatment of bacterial/fungal infections and respiratory and heart ailments. Species of the genus Echinops are primarily recognized for their activities against inflammation, microbial infections, and the proliferation of cancer cells, attributed to the biological effects of various extracts, essential oils, and isolated compounds20.
Is Echinops easy to grow?
Very tolerant of soil type and quality. Once established, echinops are quite drought tolerant. Grows best in slightly acidic, well draining soil. Long day plants, flower during the long days of summer. Companion plants for echinops perennials with contrasting foliage or flowers: echinops pairs well with plants that offer a contrast in color or form. This could include echinacea (coneflower), rudbeckia (black-eyed susan), or achillea (yarrow).
Where is the best place to plant Echinops?
This perennial requires full sun to perform best, and thrives on poor, gravelly, sandy soils. Echinops looks great in mixed borders and gravel gardens. The nectar-rich flowers are loved by bees and butterflies, and its architectural seed heads continue will provide interest through autumn and winter. A full sun lover (partial shade is tolerated), Echinops ritro thrives in poor, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Rich soils are to be avoided. Tolerant of hot and humid summers. While moisture is required during its growing season, this plant is drought-tolerant thereafter.
What do Echinops leaves look like?
Echinops Leaves & Appearance At the base sits a handsome mound of long, jagged-edged, silver-green leaves. The globe thistle is easily recognisable because of the round balls of tightly packed flowers carried on slender, stiff, upright flower stems. Pruning may also be necessary, for example, if flower heads snap off after a storm. After pruning, Echinops flowers can be dried and used for decoration before the flowers open. Also, to prevent the uncontrolled spread of the globe thistle, cut off the wilted flower heads early, before the seeds are scattered.