Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as “maximum spacing”: if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Is Globe Thistle a Perennial?
Globe thistle (Echinops spp) is indeed a perennial plant that blooms from summer into fall with unique, spherical flower heads With its drought-tolerant nature and low-maintenance care, globe thistle has become a staple in many perennial gardens.
As a perennial, globe thistle grows back year after year once established. Its life cycle unfolds as follows
Spring
In spring, globe thistle begins waking up from its winter dormancy. Shoots emerge from the crown and roots. Leaves unfurl. The plant focuses its energy on root development and vegetative growth.
SummerGlobe thistle truly shines in summer Flower buds form on tall, spiky stalks Blossoms open into round, prickly pom-pom blooms in shades of blue, purple, or white. Pollinators flock to the nectar-rich flowers. If spent blooms are promptly deadheaded, plants may rebloom into early fall.
Fall
Flowering winds down in fall. Seeds ripen in the flower heads. The foliage dies back after the first hard frost. Nutrients recede back into the roots for winter storage.
Winter
In winter, globe thistle enters dormancy. Dieback of the stems and foliage is complete. The plant survives via its taproot and crown below ground.
This cyclical pattern of growth, dormancy, and reemergence qualifies globe thistle as a herbaceous perennial. Its longevity depends on factors like climate, soil, and care. With ideal conditions, globe thistle may thrive for 5 years or longer before its vigor noticeably declines. Dividing mature plants periodically helps maintain their vitality.
Globe Thistle Growth Habits
Globe thistle exhibits other traits consistent with perennials:
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It emerges from a crown with new shoots each spring.
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Individual plants spread slowly via self-sowing if flowers are left to go to seed.
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Mature plants can be divided every few years, yielding new propagules.
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Potted specimens can be overwintered indoors in colder zones.
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It dies back completely in winter, leaving no visible above-ground growth.
Globe thistle also displays some weedy tendencies thanks to its prolific seed production and adaptability to poor soils. But it does not spread rampantly via underground runners like true invasive perennials. With prudent deadheading, its spread can be controlled.
Caring for Globe Thistle as a Perennial
The minimal care needs of globe thistle make it an ideal perennial for beginners or busy gardeners. Here are some tips:
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Site it in full sun and well-drained soil. Good drainage is imperative to prevent rot.
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Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering encourages disease.
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Little to no fertilization is required in nutrient-poor ground. Too much fertility causes flopping.
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Cut back flower stems after bloom concludes to encourage rebloom. Leave some seed heads for birds.
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Shear plants to the ground in late fall once they die back for winter dormancy.
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Divide congested plants in spring every 3-4 years. Replant divisions 18-24 inches apart.
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Mulch plants in winter to insulate roots and crown in cold climates. Avoid excess moisture.
With the right growing conditions, globe thistle will return reliably for many years like any dependable garden perennial. It earns its place in perennial gardens and borders with its drought durability, vivid color, and fuss-free nature.
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How to Get Globe Thistle to Bloom
Globe thistle does not require extra care to bloom. It should bloom when full sun and well-drained soil are provided.
Types of Globe Thistle
Different varieties of cultivated globe thistle provide a varied look in the garden. Pair the blue globes of one variety with yellow daisies or rudbeckia for a contrasting color wheel scheme. The best place to plant globe thistle is alongside drought-resistant plants, such as yarrow or lavender cotton, to combine contrasting colors and textures. White blooms work well combined with almost any annual or perennial. Here are a few gardeners favorites:
- Echinops sphaerocephalus Arctic Glow: lends a unique appearance with its white blooms, contrasting red stems, and silvery late-summer leaves. This variety grows on robust stalks with a mature height of 2 to 3 feet tall and rarely needs staking. Use it to add golf-ball-sized starry blooms to your garden.
- Echinops ritro Vetchs Blue: deepblue flowers blend nicely with its curved, silvery stems. This varietys blooms appear as 1- to 1 1/2-inch globes on 30- to 36-inch stems. Its moderate height allows it to fit well in most garden areas.
- Echinops bannaticus Taplow Blue: steely-blue flower heads with white tips resembling mini disco balls atop muted gray-green leafy stems. This variety grows 5-foot stalks, making it the perfect addition to the back of a perennial garden.
Echinops ritro – Globe Thistle – Growing Echinops – pollinator party
FAQ
Do thistles come back every year?
Biennial thistles live only two years. The first year they form a rosette germinating from seed. Plants over-winter in this rosette stage and the second year bolt in early May, to become a flowering adult. In the second year after flowering and going to seed, they die.
Where is the best place to plant globe thistle?
Echinops is best at the back of a border and looks good combined with other late summer-flowering plants such as cardoon and echinacea or tall miscanthus grasses. It’s also well suited to growing in gravel gardens and wildlife areas as it’s a magnet for bees and other pollinating insects.
Is globe thistle an annual or perennial?
| Common Name | Globe thistle |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 2-5 ft. tall, 1-4 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
What is the benefit of globe thistle?
Attract Pollinators: The vibrant blooms of the Echinops are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By growing these plants, you contribute to the health of these important insects and to the biodiversity in your garden.
Is globe thistle a perennial?
Globe thistle is a fast-growing, contemporary-looking perennial plant with spherical blue, purple, or white blooms that add arresting color to summer border gardens. Yet unlike other eye-catching perennials, globe thistle is drought tolerant, deer resistant, and an important nectar source for pollinators like butterflies and bees.
How long does a globe thistle last?
Globe thistle (Echinops ritro) is in the Aster family. The large spiky flowers appear in early summer and last up to 8 weeks. They are perennials, so the plants will make long-lasting garden companions with hardy habits and minimal globe thistle care.
When does a globe thistle flower?
The plant flowers from June to September. Globe thistle is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. The plant has naturalized in North America and Australia. It grows to 1-2.5 m tall, with a basal rosette of leaves and stem leaves that are alternate, oblong-lanceolate and toothed.
Can a globe thistle be a companion plant?
Globe Thistle is a good companion plant for other flowers and plants. You can plant it in the same area or even alongside plants you want to protect from pests. Globe Thistle can also be used as an ornamental plant in your garden because of its beautiful purple flowers that bloom in summer. Planting in a Garden
Can a globe thistle grow under a tree?
We can plant this flower in a sunny spot or under trees, and it looks excellent growing next to other tall flowers like lupine or delphinium. The globe thistle, Echinops ritro, is a perennial bulb and one of the showiest of the tall bearded iris family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and grows well in USDA zones 4 to 9.
How many petals does a globe thistle have?
The blue or purple flowers are borne in capitula, with each floret haing five petals. The plant flowers from June to September. Globe thistle is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. The plant has naturalized in North America and Australia.