Echinops tournefortii (Globe Thistle) — perennial

Overview

Echinops tournefortii is a perennial in the genus Echinops, part of the Asteraceae family. Echinops tournefortii grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and dried flower arrangements. It is native to Mediterranean region.

About

Echinops tournefortii is a perennial in the Asteraceae family native to the Mediterranean region and commonly called Globe Thistle. It favours full sun in exposed, south-facing positions and tolerates dry to medium soils. Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy ground with a neutral to alkaline pH. It flowers from July to September and is often grown in borders, rock gardens and for dried flower arrangements.

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

Echinops tournefortii is a perennial member of the Asteraceae native to the Mediterranean region. It performs best in an open, south-facing spot and will tolerate exposed sites where it receives unbroken sunshine. The plant is hardy (H5) in UK terms, so it will withstand typical winter conditions across much of Britain. Select a free-draining soil such as a sandy or loamy mix on the neutral to alkaline side; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. Moisture needs are modest — it prefers dry to medium moisture rather than consistently wet conditions. Positioning is important: a south-facing aspect on an exposed site gives the best results and helps reduce the risk of fungal problems associated with damp. Use Echinops tournefortii in structural summer and late-summer schemes where a dry-loving, sun-oriented perennial is required. It suits gravel and rock gardens and stands well in the back of a border where its summer flowering from July to September can be seen. The blooms also lend themselves to cutting and drying, and the species is regularly used for dried flower arrangements.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Echinops

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained, sandy or loamy
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: dry to medium
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Echinops tournefortii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens, dried flower arrangements
Native to: Mediterranean region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Echinops tournefortii

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Propagation: seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Echinops tournefortii?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Echinops tournefortii?

Echinops tournefortii prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.

What soil does Echinops tournefortii need?

Echinops tournefortii grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Echinops tournefortii?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Is Echinops tournefortii hardy in the UK?

Echinops tournefortii 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 tournefortii?

Seed, division.

More in the Echinops genus

Browse all Echinops →