Globe Thistle

Fri, 03/19/2010 - 3:13pm — Kathy Ormiston

Photo Credit:

Vera Kark, PADG

Botanical Name:

Echinops ritro ‘Taplow Blue’

Pronunciation:

(EK-in-ops RIH-tro)

Common Name:

Globe Thistle

Plant Type:

Perennial

Mature Size:

2 - 4 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide

Water Requirements:

Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet

Sun/Shade Requirements:

Full sun

Flower Color :

Bright blue

Wildlife:

Attracts bees and butterflies

Echinops has beautiful blue flowers beginning in the spring and continuing through the fall. The coarse leaves may not appeal to everyone, but we think they add an interesting texture.

The flowers of Echinops make a great cut flower. The spiky texture adds interest to flower arrangements.

To encourage new blooms and keep the plant looking fresh, remove the entire flowering stalk. Even with minimal water and no fertilizer, we find these plants need stacking. When we put supports in place in the early spring, they are quickly covered with foliage and hidden from view.