Echinops exaltatus aka Tall Globe Thistle

Taxonomy

Echinops exaltatus, also known as the Russian globe thistle or tall globethistle, is a European species of globe thistle belonging to the family Asteraceae. Native to central and eastern Europe, it can be found from Germany and Italy extending eastwards to Russia. While it typically grows in cultivated areas, it has also established itself in the wild across scattered locations in eastern Canada and the northern United States. This clump-forming perennial stands upright, reaching heights of up to 2 meters. Its thistle-like green foliage serves as a backdrop to the striking pale, silvery-blue spherical flower heads, which can grow up to 7 centimeters in diameter. These beautiful blooms grace the plant's tall, branched stems throughout the summer and autumn seasons. Although primarily found outdoors, the Russian globe thistle can also thrive as a rare houseplant. To ensure its well-being, regular watering is necessary. It thrives best in direct, long-lasting light and should be positioned within one foot of a window. Additionally, it prefers well-draining soil, and if repotted each time it doubles in size, it generally does not require additional fertilizers.

Common names

Tall Globe Thistle, Globe Thistle, Tall Globethistle

How to care for Tall Globe Thistle

Water

Tall Globe Thistle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Tall Globe Thistle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Tall Globe Thistle requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Tall Globe Thistle will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Tall Globe Thistle should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia