Echinops sphaerocephalus aka Great Globe Thistle

Echinops sphaerocephalus is a perennial in the sunflower family, Asteraceae. Its common names include great globe thistle and glandular globe thistle. It comes from Europe and western Asia, including Iran. Wild plants grow in meadows, fields, and rocky, brushy ground. They also grow on disturbed sites. The species has spread beyond its native range. It now grows wild in parts of Canada and the United States. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant forms clumps with upright, branching grey stems. Fine, woolly hairs cover the stems. Its spiny leaves have a grey-green shade. The leaves die back at the end of the season. Sources give quite different garden heights. Missouri Botanical Garden lists about 3 feet [0.91 metres]. The RHS gives 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres], describing plants around 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Together, these accounts suggest a garden range of 3–8 feet [0.91–2.5 metres]. Clumps spread about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. The RHS describes its growth as fast.

Round, thistle-like flower heads stand on stout stems in summer. Their colour ranges from white to silvery grey in these accounts. Missouri Botanical Garden gives the flowering season as June to August. The flowers draw butterflies and suit both fresh and dried arrangements. Their shape adds a clear accent among softer border plants. Use single plants or small groups in sunny borders. Cottage, gravel, and wildlife gardens also suit this species. Standing stems can add interest through winter.

Give it full sun and soil that drains well. A warm site suits it best. It grows in chalk, loam, and sand across the pH range. It accepts poor, dry soil as well as more moist ground. Drought resistance makes it useful where soil dries between rains. Avoid deep shade. The listed hardiness ratings are USDA zones 3–9 and RHS H7. Rich soil can produce tall stems that need support. Once the taproot matures, moving or dividing plants risks serious root damage.

Care needs are low, and serious pest or disease problems are uncommon. Aphids may still attack the plant. Remove spent flowers to prolong bloom and limit self-seeding. Plants can spread by seed when flower heads remain. Cut stems down in late autumn, or leave them for winter interest. Remove winter-damaged stems at the base in early spring. The supplied sources do not establish edible uses or toxicity.