Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' (Globe Thistle) — Clump-forming

Overview

Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Echinops, with deciduous foliage. Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include coastal gardens, gravel gardens, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' is a clump-forming globe thistle noted for its spherical blue flower heads. Leaves are deciduous and the plant suits exposed, sunny positions. It flowers from July to September and is fully hardy (H7) in UK conditions. Use it where strong, architectural flower heads are wanted, including for cutting.

About the genus

Echinops is a genus of about 130 species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, commonly known as globe thistles. They have spiny foliage and produce blue or white spherical flower heads. They are distributed from central Asia, Mongolia and north-eastern China to the Mediterranean basin, temperate regions of Eurasia, reaching to Indian subcontinent and tropical Africa.

Wikipedia contributors, "Echinops", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Echinops

In the garden

A member of the genus Echinops, Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' forms a compact clump of deciduous foliage topped by unmistakable spherical blue flowers. Flowering runs July to September, giving a reliable summer display of globe-shaped heads. The plant tolerates exposed sites and favours a south-, west- or east-facing position. For best results place it in full sun or a position with some afternoon shade on heavier sites. Soil should be well drained and may be chalk, loam or sand; the cultivar accepts acid, neutral or alkaline pH. The H7 hardiness rating means it is fully hardy and tolerates typical UK winters without winter protection when established. Use this Echinops in gravel or coastal gardens where exposure and free-draining soil limit other choices, in gravel and flower borders, or in city courtyards and cottage-style beds. It is also suitable for cutting; stems bearing the globe heads can be taken while in flower between July and September for arrangements. Position plants where the rounded blooms can be appreciated close to paths or at the back of a border so their form is visible from both near and afar.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Echinops

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Coastal gardens, Gravel gardens, Cottage gardens, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe'

Propagation: Seed, Division, Root cuttings
Pest resistance: Aphids
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe'?

Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed positions.

What soil does Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' need?

Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' hardy in the UK?

Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe'?

Seed, Division, Root cuttings.

More in the Echinops genus

Browse all Echinops →