Echinops, commonly known as Globe Thistle, is a striking perennial prized for its unique, spherical flower heads and architectural presence in the garden. From mid to late summer, tall, erect stems rise above spiny, grey-green foliage, bearing globular blooms in shades of steel blue, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Highly drought tolerant once established, Globe Thistle thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it an excellent choice for borders, gravel gardens, and naturalistic or wildlife-friendly planting schemes. Its distinctive flowers also work well in cut arrangements, both fresh and dried, offering long-lasting decorative appeal.
Key Features:
- Unique spherical blue flower heads in summer
- Architectural, upright growth habit
- Highly attractive to pollinators
- Drought tolerant and low-maintenance
- Fully hardy in the UK
A bold and resilient perennial, Echinops combines ornamental structure with ecological value, providing striking visual interest and seasonal colour from mid to late summer.
Echinops (Globe Thistle)
Plant Factfile
Height 60-120cm Spread 45-60cm Soil Well-drained soil; tolerates poor, sandy or chalky soils; avoid waterlogged conditions Flowers Globular, steel-blue flower heads, July to September Position Full sun Hardiness H7 – Hardy in the severest European continental climates (fully hardy throughout the UK) What you’re buying
Plant images are used for illustrative purposes only, so you know what your plant will look like once fully grown.
You’re purchasing your chosen size of plug plant (by selecting “Plant Size” option above).
Mini Plugs: Each plug is approximately 15mm sq, containing tender young seedlings in need of pricking out and potting on to grow before being planted out.
Midi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 20mm sq, plants are a little more mature than the mini's, can sometimes be planted out if the weather is good and the last frost has passed.
Maxi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 30mm sq, plants are more mature, sometimes over a year old, which can mean well developed root systems and/or fewer leaves due to winter dormancy or cutting back. Generally hardened off and garden ready, though for best results good weather is preferred for planting out.
Full information about plant sizes, including pictures, can be found here.
Delivery & Dispatch
Delivery Costs
- £3 flat rate delivery on all orders under £50
- Free delivery on orders over £50
When Orders Are Posted
Orders are normally posted on the Tuesday following your order. This helps us work efficiently and also reduces unnecessary trips and emissions. In most cases, after Tuesday posting your plants should arrive before the weekend.
Packaging & Plant Care During Transit
Our plugs are gently squeezed and carefully packed into breathable, unsealed plastic bags. The plants are then packed into recycled cardboard packaging wherever possible.