Blue globe thistle (Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Glow’)

Blue globe thistle

Features and Characteristics

Echinops bannaticus is an erect, clump-forming perennial globe thistle that typically grows to 4’ (less frequently to 6’) tall on stiff, sometimes branching stems. It is native to southeastern Europe. Spiny, deeply-dissected leaves (to 14” long) are rough green above and downy-white below. Globular, thistle-like, gray-blue flower heads (to 2” diameter) bloom at the stem tops in summer.

Genus name comes from the Greek words echinos meaning a hedgehog and ops meaning appearance in reference to the flower heads.

Specific epithet means from Banat which is a region of southwestern Romania where species plants are native.

‘Blue Glow’ improves on the species by producing intense steel blue flowerheads.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor dryish ones, as long as they are well-drained. Avoid rich soils. Cut back flowering stems after bloom to encourage an additional fall bloom. This is a taprooted plant that is difficult to divide or transplant.

‘Blue Glow’ may be grown from seed.

Blue globe thistle (Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Glow’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Aphids may occur. Taller stems may need staking, particularly if grown in rich, fertile soils.

Uses

Sunny borders, cottage gardens. Excellent accent. Cutting garden.

Blue globe thistle (Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Glow’) Details

Common name	Blue globe thistle
Botanical name	Echinops bannaticus 'Blue Glow'
Plant type	Herbaceous perennial
Family	Asteraceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Steel blue
Flowering period	July - August
Height	2 - 4 ft.
Width	1 - 2 ft.