Blue Glow Globe Thistle

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Keep your eye on the prize. Blue Glow Globe Thistle is a surprising sight to see. The foliage is silvery-green spiney and sharp. Its flowers are spherical clusters that are steel blue in color. The foliage and upright habit contrasts nicely with a number of varying foliage textures like grasses or other broadleaf perennials. It is relatively tall in size, reaching 36 to 48 inches in height, so position this plant more toward the back of a border.

Globe thistle is the common name for Echinops bannaticus. This thistle is native to Europe. The tough spiny nature of this plant will deter both rabbits and deer. Unlike the butterflies, they don’t seem to mind the rugged beauty of its flower. These plants are notorious for having deep taproot. This helps this plant find water deep in the subsoil, which is beneficial in times of drought. Globe thistle is an excellent candidate for Xeriscaping since they can thrive in more arid environments limited on water resources.

Blue Glow Globe Thistle Care

There is not much in the way of care. Echinops can take partial sunlight to full sun conditions. Average to poor soil with a wide range of pH will work just fine. Amending soil with compost will help with clay compaction, but typically fertilizing is not needed. Transplanting or moving plants is not recommended since deep tap roots can be easily damaged.

Globe thistle is a hardy perennial in zones 3 to 8 that loves a good trim. Trim in the Summer when blooms are spent. Then trim it down to the ground in the Fall to help it overwinter.

Blue Glow Globe Thistle Spacing

There are so many ways to admire its beauty. Since these are taller plants, so position the globe thistle as a taller element towards the back of a border. When planting, space echinops at least 24 inches apart from each other or other plants to enjoy its unique features.