Description
Echinops chardini (also called Chardin's Globe Thistle, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region. It has a basal rosette of spiny leaves and a single, tall stem with a large, globular, blue flower head. It grows in dry, rocky, and sandy soils in open grasslands, scrub, and rocky slopes.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Echinops chardini is a small, white, star-shaped flower with a yellow center. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single, long, thin stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Echinops chardini is a perennial herb that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C. It can be propagated by taking cuttings from the tips of the branches in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be placed in a moist, well-drained soil and kept in a warm, sunny location. The cuttings should be watered regularly and should be ready to transplant in about 6 weeks.