Japanese name: ルリタマアザミ（瑠璃玉薊） Scientific name:Echinops ritro
[Overview]
A perennial about 70 cm tall.
The stems and leaves are covered with white woolly hairs.
It branches in the upper part of the stem.
The leaves are alternate, oblong and divided completely in a pinnate manner, with serrations ending in spines.
The undersides of the leaves are densely covered with soft white hairs.
Spherical flower heads 4–5 cm across are borne at the branch tips.
The inflorescence has bristle-like involucral bracts.
The flower heads consist only of blue disc florets.
The fruit is an achene.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It prefers sunny, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
The roots grow deep into the ground, so cultivate the soil deeply.
For potted plants, water thoroughly after the soil has dried; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
It dislikes excess moisture, so take care not to overwater.
Apply base fertilizer, and in spring and autumn apply slow-release fertilizer around the plant.
Powdery mildew can occur.
