Ualda's Garden
globe thistle
Genus: Echinops.
Species: Echinops ritro.
I grew them from seed this year (08) - I bought them from the <www.OrganicCatalogue.com>
Bees and bumble bees like the flowers
but finches like the seeds, so I don't remove the dead flowers heads for them to enjoy.
Description:
it is a robust perennial, with divided, prickly dark green leaves whiter underneath, and round, violet-blue flowerheads on silver-grey, branched, leafy stems.
Skill Level: Beginner
Flowers: July to August/September
Ideal for : Borders, Cottage Gardens, Cut Flowers
Exposure:
thrives best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy (H4)
Soil type: any well-drained soil
Aspect: South, East, West
(but I put some in the north side bed because that is the most sunny place in my back garden)
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Height:
120cm (but mine was only about 80cm high)
Spread: 45cm
Space: 60cm
Time to plant seeds: early April to early June
Where & How to plant the seeds:
in a open ground or cold frame (I used the cold frame way)
Growing instructions:
thin the seedling as they grew 5cm apart
Time to plant out:
September and October for flowering the following year
Time to divide plants: Autumn or Spring
Plant with:
Japanese anemone, Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Tips:
wear gloves when handling the stems and leaves - some people develop a rash when pricked by the spines.
