Summary
Echinops exaltatus, commonly known as Tall Globe Thistle, is a species of thistle in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Central Asia and the Himalayas, and is known for its tall, upright habit and spiky, globe-shaped flowers that are typically blue to violet in color. The flowers typically bloom in late summer and early fall, and are attractive to bees and other pollinators. Like Echinops sphaerocephalon, this plant is also drought-tolerant and can be grown as an ornamental garden plant.
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Globe-thistle, also known as Echinops exaltatus, is a striking and unique plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and woodlands. With its striking blue-grey foliage and globular flowers, the Globe-thistle is a favorite of gardeners and landscapers alike. In this blog post, we'll explore the features and care of the Globe-thistle.
Features of Globe-thistle
The Globe-thistle is a hardy plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall, with a spread of 2-3 feet. The plant has an upright habit and is covered in spiny, silver-grey leaves. The leaves of the Globe-thistle are deeply lobed, creating a distinctive fern-like appearance.
The flowers of the Globe-thistle are the plant's most striking feature. The flowers grow on sturdy stems and are globe-shaped, hence the plant's name. The flowers are usually blue or violet in color, and they bloom in mid to late summer. The flowers are long-lasting and can remain on the plant well into fall, providing a late-season source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
Care of Globe-thistle
The Globe-thistle is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most garden soils. It prefers a well-drained soil and a sunny location, although it will tolerate some shade. The plant is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
Globe-thistle should be planted in spring or fall, and it should be spaced at least 2 feet apart to allow for adequate airflow. The plant should be watered regularly during its first growing season to establish a strong root system, but after that, it will only need to be watered during prolonged dry periods.
The Globe-thistle is a relatively slow-growing plant, and it may take a few years for it to reach its full size. However, once established, the plant is long-lived and will provide many years of enjoyment in the garden.
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Beyond its striking appearance and easy care requirements, there are several other reasons to consider adding Globe-thistle to your garden.
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Pollinator-friendly: The Globe-thistle is an excellent plant for attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The plant's late-season blooms provide a much-needed source of nectar when other plants may have stopped blooming.
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Deer and rabbit resistant: The spiny leaves of the Globe-thistle make it unappetizing to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens that struggle with these pests.
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Cut flower: The Globe-thistle's distinctive flowers make an excellent cut flower, both fresh and dried. The flowers can be used in arrangements to add a unique texture and color.
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Medicinal uses: The Globe-thistle has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, arthritis, and digestive issues. However, it's important to note that the plant should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Globe-thistle is an excellent plant to consider adding to your garden. Its unique appearance, low-maintenance requirements, and ability to attract pollinators make it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Plus, its resistance to deer and rabbits, ability to be used as a cut flower, and potential medicinal uses add to its overall value in the garden.
Globe-thistle, also known as Echinops exaltatus, is a stunning perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, it is widely grown in gardens and landscaping across the world. This hardy plant grows up to 5 feet tall, with a spread of 2-3 feet, and has an upright habit with spiny, silver-grey leaves. The leaves of the Globe-thistle are deeply lobed, creating a distinctive fern-like appearance. Its flowers grow on sturdy stems and are globe-shaped, usually blue or violet in color, and bloom from mid to late summer. The flowers are long-lasting and can remain on the plant well into fall, providing a late-season source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
The Globe-thistle is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most garden soils. It prefers a well-drained soil and a sunny location, although it will tolerate some shade. The plant is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for xeriscaping and low-water gardens. Globe-thistle should be planted in spring or fall, and it should be spaced at least 2 feet apart to allow for adequate airflow. The plant should be watered regularly during its first growing season to establish a strong root system, but after that, it will only need to be watered during prolonged dry periods.
Beyond its striking appearance and easy care requirements, Globe-thistle has several benefits. It's an excellent plant for attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Its late-season blooms provide a much-needed source of nectar when other plants may have stopped blooming. The spiny leaves of the Globe-thistle make it unappetizing to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens that struggle with these pests. The Globe-thistle's distinctive flowers make an excellent cut flower, both fresh and dried, and it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, arthritis, and digestive issues.
Globe-thistle is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. It looks fantastic when planted in groups, where its spiky foliage and globe-shaped flowers can create a dramatic display. It's also an excellent plant for mixed borders, where it can add texture and color to a variety of planting combinations. The Globe-thistle's blue or violet flowers make a beautiful contrast against plants with yellow or orange flowers, creating an eye-catching display.
Globe-thistle is also suitable for rock gardens and xeriscaping, where its drought-tolerant qualities and low water requirements make it a great choice for gardens with limited rainfall or those that aim to conserve water. Additionally, Globe-thistle's upright habit and spiny leaves can provide an interesting structural element to any garden design.
When it comes to maintenance, Globe-thistle is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms, but it's not necessary for the health of the plant. Globe-thistle may self-seed, but it's not invasive and can be easily managed by removing unwanted seedlings.
It's important to note that Globe-thistle should be planted away from paths or high-traffic areas due to its spiny leaves, which can be sharp and potentially harmful if brushed against. Additionally, while Globe-thistle is not toxic to humans, it may cause skin irritation for some individuals, so it's best to wear gloves when handling the plant.
In conclusion, Globe-thistle is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant that can add unique texture and color to any garden. Its low-maintenance requirements, ability to attract pollinators, resistance to deer and rabbits, and suitability for xeriscaping make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance and visually appealing plant.
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