Globe Thistle ritro Blue, botanically known as Echinops, is a first year flowering ornamental perennial variety. It produces outstanding, circular 1.5" to 2" inch globe blossoms in vibrant violet blue on well formed 36" inch plants featuring silver-green foliage. Although the foliage might appear to be prickly, the leaves are soft to the touch and have a downy under bottom. Ritro Blue is always in high demand by floral creatives who use this variety fresh or dried since the color remains stable. A coastal gardeners go-to for textural interest, as ritro Blue is highly adaptable to seaside soil - salty, dry and sandy. The whimsical luminescent blue globes will set your garden beds abuzz with pollinators who come to feast. Blooms from mid summer through early fall. Packet: 25 seeds.