These hardy perennials are commonly known as the Globe Thistle. They form clumps of deeply divided, spiny leaves, which are gray-green above and fuzzy-white beneath. They produce round, compact heads of tiny pale blue or grayish-white flowers, resembling thistles, atop gray-white stems in late summer. They are natives of southern and central Europe to Russia.

Globe Thistles can live in any well-drained soil as long as it isn't too rich. They will survive in poor, dry soil. They should be in a position with full sun.

These plants can be increased by seeds or division in the fall, or by root cuttings in the winter. Seeds are sown in sandy soil in a cold frame. Root cuttings are made by cutting the roots into 2- or 3-inch pieces and placing them in sandy soil in a cold frame.

Echinops Ritro;
Echinops bannaticus;
Echinops Gmelinii;
Echinops sphaerocephalus.