Echinops bannaticus aka Blue Globe Thistle

Echinops bannaticus is known as Hungarian or blue globe thistle. It belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. This herbaceous perennial comes from southeastern Europe, in temperate regions. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its leaves die back rather than staying green year-round. The plant forms a clump with a strong, upright shape.

Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 m] tall. Their spread runs from 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 m]. They take two to five years to reach full size. Grey stems stand upright and have a woolly coat. The grey-green leaves have deep divisions, hairs, and spiny edges. These leaves give the plant texture even before flowers appear. Round flowerheads range from grey-blue to blue. Each head can measure about 0.16 feet [0.05 m] across. Flowers appear in mid- to late summer, with July–August recorded.

Grow this plant in full sun for the best results. It also accepts partial shade. Poor soil with good drainage suits it well. Chalk, loam, and sand all provide suitable growing conditions. It tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Soil may stay moist, provided excess water drains away. The plant also withstands drought, dry soil, and shallow, rocky ground. Missouri Botanical Garden lists its water needs as medium. RHS rates its hardiness H7, while USDA zones are 4–9. It can grow in exposed sites as well as sheltered ones.

Its height and round blue heads add contrast to sunny borders. Cottage gardens and informal beds also suit its form. RHS suggests coastal, gravel, and wildlife gardens as planting settings. The blooms suit both fresh arrangements and dried displays. A cutting garden can make use of this summer crop. Its care needs are low, with few serious pest problems. Aphids may occur, but disease is seldom a concern. Rich soil can produce tall stems that need stakes.

Remove spent flowerheads to limit seedlings around the parent clump. Sow seed in a seed bed in mid-spring. Divide clumps in spring or autumn to make more plants. Root cuttings offer another way to propagate it in winter. The supplied sources give no evidence about edible parts. They also do not establish safety for people or pets.