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Globe Thistle
Echinops
Globe Thistle blooms from July through August.
Mature size, hardiness zones, sun and the trait tags were checked against named botanical sources for this plant. The bloom months and water need on this page were not.
Growing Globe Thistle
Plant it in full sun. It prefers low water. It is hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Expect it to reach about 3.3 ft tall and 2 ft wide at maturity, in roughly 2 years.
When to plant Globe Thistle
Plant Globe Thistle in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in early fall at least six weeks before your first frost, so roots establish in cool weather. For the middle of its hardy zones 3 to 9 range, spring means March to May and fall means August or September. Once settled, it blooms from July to August.
Month-by-month timing for your zone is on the planting calendar: for the middle of its range, start with zone 6 in March.
Good to know about Globe Thistle
Curated from university extensions, botanic gardens and other primary sources, with the source named on every note.
Worth knowing
The deep taproot does double duty: it mines deep water to shrug off drought, and it is why globe thistle resents being moved or divided. per NC State and Missouri Botanical Garden
Bloom end varies by source
The peak is July into August everywhere. NC State and Missouri Botanical Garden extend it into September in cooler regions or with deadheading; Illinois stops at August. per NC State and Missouri Botanical Garden
Lean soil keeps it upright
Rich, fertile soil drives soft, floppy, leggy stems that may need staking. Lean, dry soil in full sun keeps the stiff stems self-supporting, so skip fertilizer. per Missouri Botanical Garden and NC State
Deer and rabbit resistant
Deer and rabbits generally leave it alone: the stiff, spiny, thistle-like foliage is the deterrent. Very hungry wildlife may still sample it. per NC State and Penn State
Non-toxic to pets
The ASPCA rates globe thistle non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The one caution is mechanical, not chemical: the prickly heads can irritate if chewed. per ASPCA and NC State
Strong pollinator plant
The nectar-rich blue globes draw bees and butterflies through mid to late summer, when forage can be scarce. A favorite for pollinator and cutting borders. per NC State and Missouri Botanical Garden
What pairs well with Globe Thistle
Good companions share its growing conditions and add something it lacks: an earlier or later bloom, a lower carpet in front, or structure through winter.
Creeping Phlox
Shares full sun and low water; blooms in mid spring, before this one opens; low at 6 in, to carpet the ground beneath; both are strong pollinator plants, and they feed in different months.
Giant Allium
Shares full sun and low water; blooms in late spring, before this one opens; both are strong pollinator plants, and they feed in different months; purple sits close to blue on the wheel.
Sage
Shares full sun and low water; blooms in late spring, before this one opens; both are strong pollinator plants, and they feed in different months; lower at 1.6 ft, for the front of the border.
Crocus
Shares full sun and low water; blooms in late winter, before this one opens; low at 4 in, to carpet the ground beneath; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
Autumn Crocus
Shares full sun and low to moderate water; blooms in early fall as this one finishes; low at 6 in, to carpet the ground beneath; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
Thyme
Shares full sun and low water; opens in late spring and overlaps into this one's season; low at 6 in, to carpet the ground beneath; both are strong pollinator plants.
English Daisy
Shares full sun and low to moderate water; blooms in mid spring, before this one opens; low at 6 in, to carpet the ground beneath; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
Pansy
Takes full sun to part sun and low to moderate water; blooms in early spring, before this one opens; lower at 8 in, for the front of the border; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
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