Globe Thistle | Echinops bannaticus

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The Echinops bannaticus, often known as Globe Thistle, belongs to the Sunflower family and is a clump-forming perennial that produces globe-shaped blue to gray heads in mid to late summer, self-seeding easily. With elegant looks, it’s ideal for all types of gardens, including low-maintenance ones and is particularly suitable for beginners.

How to plant & grow

Globe Thistle requires full sun or half-shade and is a low-maintenance flower that’s easy to grow. It does best in average, dry soil and can tolerate poor soil, but for optimum growth and flowering, it needs a well-drained soil, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Globe Thistle needs general fertiliser feedings twice a year, and abundant water in the first year, with lighter watering thereafter, so that it can develop strong roots and a Healthy foliage. Temperature should remain around 16-22 degrees Celsius and humidity around 50–60%.

Meaning & symbolism

Globe Thistle has a long history, having been found in Anglo-Saxon burial sites, which suggests it was seen as a flower of protection. In some parts of Europe, it represents the holy trinity, with its symmetrical symmetry and the three-pointed head. Its thistle-like spines were thought to indicate the ability to defend and protect, as well as providing contrast to its other characteristics – grace, beauty, and delicacy. Its scientific name, Echinops, translates to hedgehog – known for its spiny features.

History, mythology, and religious significance

Globe Thistle has been revered since antiquity, as a symbol of strength and protection, due to its thorny nature. The ancient Greeks treasured it as a natural defense, while Romans used it to strengthen walls. In mythology, it was a source of protection for the gods, but an obstacle for the hero. In Christianity, it’s important in the creation story, set as a safeguard to mark the boundaries between the Garden of Eden and the outside world. Globally, it’s been an important symbol of protection, in countries such as Scotland and Germany, where it represents strength and courage.

Flower varieties and their defining characters

Globe Thistle is available in a range of varieties. All of them produce the distinctive blue star-like flowers. While there aren’t any major differences between varieties, the type of flowers produced may vary. Some varieties may produce more double-flowered blooms, for example. The most commonly found varieties are:

Echinops ritro. A tough species, with a clump-forming habit and vivid blue among the spiny foliage.
Echinops exaltatus. A very upright plant, with dense, upright stems and spherical flowers, with a deep blue hue.
Echinops tibeticus. A beautiful type, featuring periwinkle-blue flowers set against lighter-green foliage.
Echinops adenocaulos. A more delicate form, with powder-blue flowers and pinnate foliage.

How to Pot and Repot

Globe Thistle can simply be potted up into a pot or container of suitable size. Ensure the container has good quality drainage, as this is essential for the plant’s health. Unsure how much soil is needed? A good rule of thumb is to use a third part well-draining soil, a third part compost and a third part builder’s sand. Use large chunks of material to avoid air-pockets in the soil when potting up. Water gently, as too much water may cause the soil to become too soggy. To repot Globe Thistle, gently remove it from its container and tease out any roots growing around the edges. Place in a new container and fill the sides with soil, making sure the root crown is level with the soil surface.

How to Prune

Globe Thistle can benefit from an occasional light pruning. The best time to prune a plant is during the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Once the plant is dormant, prune away any stems that look frail or old, and any that are too long and spilling over the edge of the pot. If you prune too severely, however, it won’t produce many new stems or blooms, so it’s best to be conservative when pruning. Afterwards, the plants need a brief boost of fertiliser to help them rebound after pruning.

How to Propagate

Globe Thistle can be propagated in several different ways, such as by division, cuttings, or seed. The simplest way is by division, which can be done during the early spring when the plant is dormant. Carefully lift the whole plant, divide it into 3-5 sections and repot each section in a smaller container. When propagating via cuttings, take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer and place in moist, fertile soil mixed with sand. Place the pot in a bright, airy spot and cover to keep the soil moist. When propagating from seed, sow in late spring and keep them in a warm, brightly lit location. Germination usually takes 10-14 weeks.

Common pests & diseases

Globe Thistle is generally pest and disease free. However, on occasions, plants may become troubled by caterpillars, spider mites, or aphids. Remove these pests by hand or treat with a suitable pest control product. Other diseases to look out for include powdery mildew and root rot, both of which can cause yellowing or wilted leaves. Treat these diseases if they arise with a suitable fungicide or by removing affected plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Globe Thistle poisonous?
No, Globe Thistle is not known to be poisonous.
Is Globe Thistle invasive?
No, Globe Thistle is not an invasive plant, but can spread by reseeding itself.
Do bees like Globe Thistle?
Yes, bees love Globe Thistle for its rich nectar.

Table Fact Sheet

Scientific Name	Echinops bannaticus
Family	Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	3-4 feet tall
Sun Exposure	Full Sun / Half Shade
Soil Type	Average, Dry
Soil pH	5.5-7.5
Bloom Time	Mid to late summer
Flower Color	Blue to gray
Hardiness Zones	4-8
Native Area	Northern Europe