About
Echinops sphaerocephalus, the glandular globe thistle, is a fast-growing, robust clump-forming perennial reaching 2 m in height with spiny, blue-green, deeply lobed leaves and thistle-like, silvery-grey flowerheads on stout, grey stems in mid to late summer. An impressive architectural perennial for the back of a sunny border.
About the genus
Echinops, the globe thistles, are annuals, biennials and perennials with spiny, deeply lobed, thistle-like leaves and perfectly spherical flowerheads in shades of blue, white or grey in summer. Excellent architectural plants for sunny borders, very attractive to bees and butterflies.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Architectural, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationA hot position with full sun in well-drained soil is best but tolerant of almost any soil or situation except deep shade
PruningCut down winter-damaged stems to the base in early spring
PropagationBy division in spring or by root cuttings in the dormant season. Propagate by seed in mid-spring as this cultivar will come true from seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free