I believe most people are disappointed with Globe Thistle (Echinops), in particular due to poor foliage, so I would lean towards the Sea Holly (Eryngium), of which I'm currently only growing the variegated 'Jade Frost'.

As for Siberian Iris, I consider these a "classic" perennial and therefore a must for every garden wherever possible.

Globe Thistle is the only plant my husband has ever requested that I plant in the garden! He saw it somewhere and came home asking for the plant with blue prickly balls on it.

I agree with coolplantsguy about Siberian Iris.

Chris

I agree, Sea Holly is the better choice. Not only does my Globe Thistle have unsightly foliage after it blooms, but it also reseeds like mad if you do not cut off the 'balls' ;-) after flowering. Both are nice, but I guess it is all a matter of how you use them.

Not to hijack the thread but...
-CPG, I also have 'Jade Frost'. I find it is a rather weak grower and gets tipsy in full bloom. What do you think of your plant?
CMK

Mine was planted summer '09, and yes it is tipsy when in bloom, but that doesn't bother me much as it's all about the foliage with this variety! ;) I'll be cutting out the flowering spikes -- besides, I've seen many all-green seedlings in various nursery batches. Otherwise, I'm fairly happy with it.

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll probably be posting more dumb questions as spring gets closer. I'm hoping to minimize my "mistakes" this year.

Totally Confused

Echinops vs Eryngium. For your locale, I would probably ask which one is more heat and humidity tolerant. Many of the "silvery blue" plants melt badly when subjected to high temperatures and sweltering humidity. I have not grown Echinops and most of the Eryngium foliage I've seen does melt badly when the summer heats up.

If I were you, I'd go with a native Eryngium (Eryngium yuccafolium). This is a plant that has nice glaucous foliage, is super easy to grow, and handles the summer heat. It can be used as a see-through plant so plant it up front.

-totallyconfused, never feel silly for askiing! ;-) We were all newbies at one time. The important thing is that you want to learn.

-CPG, thanks for the info. I bought mine in early 08. I thought it would bulk up some after awhile, but it hasn't. I like the foliage a lot too (especially the pink tinge in early spring). But it sure is tipsy when in bloom- I have to use one of those little Orchid stakes to prop the weak stem up. It is like Tiny Tim with crutches! lol.
CMK

I used to have echinops. My mother always had it, and I liked enough to get it myself. It died out after a few years: I donÂt know why. It is tall: more than 3 feet if I recall. A good background plant and no flopping. Nice textural accent. I never had seeding. ItÂs the ball flowers that are interesting: foliage is ok too, but itÂs all about the steely blue balls.
If I had more space IÂd get it again.