Is Globe Thistle a Perennial? An In-Depth Look at This Unique Plant

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Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live somewhere cold or want plants to grow faster, space them out at the shorter end of the range. If you live somewhere warm, don’t have a lot of money, or don’t mind waiting longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. The only thing that really matters is that you don’t want your plants to touch. You can put them as far apart as you want. All plant spacing is based on the plant’s center, which means that the plants’ centers are set back half of their width:

You can plant your plants in a straight line if you’re making hedges or edging, but if you want a more natural look, space your plants in a staggered or zigzag pattern:

Globe thistle is an eye-catching perennial that adds beautiful spherical blooms and unique textural interest to gardens. But what exactly is globe thistle and how do you grow this plant? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at globe thistle to answer common questions like is globe thistle a perennial and how to care for it.

What is Globe Thistle?

Globe thistle, also known by its botanical name Echinops, is a genus of around 120 species of flowering plants in the Asteraceae or daisy family It is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. The genus name Echinops comes from the Ancient Greek words ‘echinos’ meaning hedgehog and ‘ops’ meaning face or eye, referring to the spiny, spherical flower heads.

Some of the most popular species grown in gardens include

  • Echinops bannaticus – commonly known as blue globe thistle
  • Echinops ritro – commonly known as globe thistle
  • Echinops sphaerocephalus – commonly known as great globe thistle

Is Globe Thistle a Perennial?

Yes, globe thistle is classified as a herbaceous perennial plant. This means the plants have a lifespan of more than two years, dying back to the ground in winter then regrowing from their rootstock the following spring.

As a perennial, globe thistle will come back reliably year after year if grown in appropriate conditions. Established plants even have some drought tolerance.

Growing Globe Thistle

Now that we’ve established globe thistle is a perennial, let’s look at how to grow and care for it. Here are some key tips:

Planting

  • Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours direct sun per day)
  • Prefers lean, well-draining soil
  • Space plants 18-24 inches apart
  • Plant in spring or fall
  • Dig hole twice as wide as root ball, set plant at same depth it was growing in nursery pot

Watering

  • Water at planting and during first month to establish
  • Drought tolerant once established, only water during drought
  • Avoid wet soil

Temperature & Humidity

  • Thrives in temperatures between 65°F – 75°F
  • Can tolerate heat, cold, and humidity but does best in warmer, drier regions
  • Ensure good airflow in humid climates

Fertilizer

  • Does not need fertilizer
  • Can become floppy and leggy in rich soil

Pruning

  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming
  • Cut back dead growth in late fall/early spring

Propagation

  • Propagate by seed or division in spring
  • Take divisions from mature, 3+ year old plants

Globe Thistle Varieties

There are many varieties of globe thistle to choose from. Some popular options include:

  • Echinops ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’ – deep blue globes on silver-blue stems
  • Echinops bannaticus ‘Taplow Blue’ – blue globes with white tips on tall 5 ft. stems
  • Echinops sphaerocephalus ‘Arctic Glow’ – unique white blooms with red stems

Problems and Pests

Globe thistle is relatively trouble-free with few pests or problems. Potential issues include:

  • Root rot if overwatered, especially in heavy/poorly draining soil
  • Aphids
  • Reseeding if deadheading is neglected

Uses in the Garden

Thanks to its unique blooms and textural foliage, globe thistle has many uses in the garden:

  • Striking color and form for perennial beds and borders
  • Good cut or dried flower
  • Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
  • Architectural plant for xeriscapes or rock gardens
  • Contrast and texture when combined with grasses or soft-textured plants

More Information Description ‘Blue Glow’ globe thistle (or Echinops bannaticus ) may have unconventional flowers, but that’s what makes it so charming! Perfectly spherical tufts of blue flowers bloom in summer on tall, unbranched stems, resembling a mini solar system in the landscape. Bumblebees enjoy the flowers, but nocturnal moths find them especially delightful. This perennial is best planted in poor soils with full sun and steep drainage, so it will easily grow in rock gardens or troublesome sites. Since it’s drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, and easy to grow, we recommend it for gardeners of any level. Details

Pollinators play a vital role in our ecosystems, gardens, and especially our food chain. Flowers produce pollen as a means of reproduction. While there are so many pollinator-friendly plants to choose from, here are seven of our favorites. You’ll love them, and the pollinators will too.

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Not sure how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator will tell you exactly how many plants you need. Area Foot Length.

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  • Spherical blue flowers float on tall stems!
  • Pollinators adore the nectar-rich blooms.
  • Grows well in troublesome sites with dry or poor soils.
  • Excellent for fresh and dried cut flower arrangements.
  • Sun to part-sun, zones 3–8, 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide when fully grown

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Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live somewhere cold or want plants to grow faster, space them out at the shorter end of the range. If you live somewhere warm, don’t have a lot of money, or don’t mind waiting longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. The only thing that really matters is that you don’t want your plants to touch. You can put them as far apart as you want. All plant spacing is based on the plant’s center, which means that the plants’ centers are set back half of their width:

is globe thistle a perennial

You can plant your plants in a straight line if you’re making hedges or edging, but if you want a more natural look, space your plants in a staggered or zigzag pattern:

is globe thistle a perennial

Hand-picked at our greenhouse

Shipped to your door

Arrives as young plant

Globe Thistle: Grow and Care Tips

Robby
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