Overview
Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Echinops, part of the Asteraceae family, with spiny, lobed leaves foliage. Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and wildlife gardens. It is native to Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia and Serbia.
About
Echinops bannaticus, known as the blue globe-thistle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to southeastern Europe. It is a herbaceous perennial thistle, growing to 120 cm (47 in), with prickly foliage and spherical blue flower heads in summer.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Echinops bannaticus
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Echinops
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Spiny, lobed leaves
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cottage gardens, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; minimal maintenance required.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back to ground level in late autumn or early spring.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; minimal maintenance required.
Where is the best place to plant Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'?
Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' need?
Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back to ground level in late autumn or early spring.
Is Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' hardy in the UK?
Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Echinops genus
- Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue'Southern Globe Thistle
- Echinops tournefortiiGlobe Thistle
- Echinops bann. 'Blue Globe'Globe Thistle
- Echinops bann. 'Taplow Blue'Globe Thistle
- Echinops nivalis or nivea of gardensGlobe Thistle