A Bunch for the Weekend - # 17 - Echinops

I'm back after the summer with my weekly post 'A Bunch for the Weekend' - and this week I'm featuring Echinops - a fabulous and fun flower.

Echinops is a perennial found in hot, gravelly slopes and dry grassland. Its native to Central and Southern Europe, Asia, India and some parts of Africa.

The plant has round, stiff flowers in a metallic purple blue colour. They are very long-lasting both in the boarder and in the vase.

The common name for them is 'Globe thistle' and the name Echinops is from the Greek 'echinos' which means hedgehog.

  

They are also good for cutting and drying and it's usually available during late summer and early autumn.

For this very quick and easy arrangement you'll need:

- 7 Echinops flower heads

- a round-shaped vase with a narrow neck

To condition the flowers remove all leaves - you want a very clean and lean look. Cut the stems at an angle to maximize the water uptake. Put in a clean container - in a cool place over night or at least a few hours - before making the final arrangement.

For the final arrangement - cut the stems at slightly different heights and arrange them so that you can appreciate each individual flower. 

For a vase I have used a contemporary vase originally sold by Habitat - but this one I found in a local charity store.

I thought it was a perfect match both in shape and colour. Round just like the globular flowers and in a similar purple blue colour.

The vase also has a lace pattern under the glaze giving it an interesting texture. 

I have used the Echinops on their own - but they are a great addition to mixed arrangements as well - with their interesting shape and texture.

Have a Wonderful Floral Friday!

I hope you have had or are still having a great summer. Here in Northern Europe we have had glorious weather - hot and sunny days and long, warm and balmy evenings. Just the perfect weather for spending days on the beach, in the garden or the park.

xoxo Ingrid