Globe Thistle

Echinops bannaticus Blue Globe

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: poor, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July and August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Ever popular for their globes of blue flowers that attract hoards of insects, globe thistles bring a natural look to the garden. This variety has masses of large, spherical, dark blue flower-heads up to 6cm across in July and August and thistle-like, prickly, grey-green leaves. It's best planted in groups in poor, well -drained soil in full sun, at the back of a herbaceous border.

• Garden care: Cut down to the ground after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers. Lift and divide congested colonies in autumn or spring.