great globe thistle
Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow'
Overview
Great Globe Thistle (Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow') is an amazing plant that will add charm and beauty to any landscape. This species produces large globe-shaped, thistle-like inflorescences that have an eye-catching bright magenta color. The silvery-green foliage stands in striking contrast creating a beautiful effect in the garden. Delightful and durable, this hardy biennial grows up to 3 feet tall and makes a bold statement in any garden with minimal care and maintenance. A butterfly favorite, the beautiful pink blooms attract a variety of birds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators. Great Globe Thistle is the perfect addition to garden beds or as unique container plant.
Care Guide
Watering
Great globe thistle (Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow') should be watered regularly and deeply, about once per week. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. The exact amount of water needed will vary based on environmental factors such as sunlight, humidity, and temperature, so be sure to check the soil moisture regularly. During hot summer months, more frequent waterings may be necessary. It is also important to water from the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage.
Light
Great Globe Thistle is a sun-loving plant species that requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day during the peak of its growing season in order to properly thrive. When growing in harsher climates, such as those in the northern United States, Great Globe Thistle will often benefit from a few hours of additional light, such as from a midday sun or an overhead light source. During the cooler months of the year, when days are shorter and the sun is weaker, Great Globe Thistle will typically require a bit less sunlight than in the summer and may even benefit from a couple of days of partial shade throughout the week.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3–10.
Pruning
Great Globe Thistle should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring. Some light pruning may also be beneficial throughout the growing season, taking away any faded or dead flowers and leaves to keep it looking neat. To make sure your thistle keeps its round shape, thin out the shoots so that the strongest are left to develop into flowering stems. If your thistle is starting to look a bit overgrown, cutting off 1/3 of the top growth can help to renew the plant and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Division, Root Cutting, Layering Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Butterflies.
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