Echinops - Globe Thistle

DESCRIPTION: These hardy perennials are commonly known as the Globe Thistle. They form clumps of deeply divided, spiny leaves, which are gray-green above and fuzzy-white beneath. They produce round, compact heads of tiny pale blue or grayish-white flowers, resembling thistles, atop gray-white stems in late summer. They are natives of southern and central Europe to Russia.

POTTING: Globe Thistles can live in any well-drained soil as long as it isn't too rich. They will survive in poor, dry soil. They should be in a position with full sun.

PROPAGATION: These plants can be increased by seeds or division in the fall, or by root cuttings in the winter. Seeds are sown in sandy soil in a cold frame. Root cuttings are made by cutting the roots into 2- or 3-inch pieces and placing them in sandy soil in a cold frame.

VARIETIES: E. Ritro; E. bannaticus; E. Gmelinii; E. sphaerocephalus.

Go see DICTIONARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES.

Back to our botanical home page.