Echinops (Globe thistle): Plant profile

How to identify Echinops (Globe thistle)

Globe thistles are clump-forming perennials. They are easily identified by their spiny, grey-green leaves and upright grey, woolly stems. Look out for the prickly spherical blue-grey to blue flowers that appear in early summer and grow to roughly the size of a golf ball.

How to grow Echinops

Find out how to plant and grow Globe thistle.

Planting Echinops

• Globe thistles can be grown from seed. Sow seeds in spring, either directly into the ground or in modules. They will also self-seed if not deadheaded.
• Ideally plant in poor, free-draining soils for the best results  though they can tolerate most soils.
• Echinops prefer full sun but can thrive in areas of partial shade.

Caring for Echinops

Although Globe thistle does not require special care, some maintenance is required.

• Taller varieties may require staking, if planted in a more exposed spot.
• Cut back old flowers to encourage a second round of blooms.
• Divide clumps of Echinops in autumn or spring if they become overcrowded.

Main uses of Echinops

For best results, plant Echinops at the back of borders to achieve a dramatic prairie-style display. Combine it with late summer flowering plants like Cardoon, Echinacea and Miscanthus grasses to complete the look.

Globe thistle also works well in gravel gardens. Read about Beth Chatto’s famous gravel garden and find out how to create one in your growing space.

Echinops is a great addition to any garden that seeks to encourage wildlife. It is attractive to bees and many other pollinators. The beautiful globes also create striking cut flower displays.

Recommended varieties of Echinops (Globe thistle)

• ‘Arctic Glow’ – this variety produces white flowerheads, as its name implies.
• E. bannaticus ‘Taplow Blue’ – this variety provides striking blue flowers.
• E. ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’ – Providing tight globes of deep blue flowers and making an outstanding choice for cut flowers.