What soil does Blue globe thistle grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Blue globe thistle hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Blue globe thistle flower?

Flowering: July–August, blue.

How much water does Blue globe thistle need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Blue globe thistle

Echinops bannaticus

Blue globe thistle (Echinops bannaticus) is a perennial. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €6.90.

Illustration of Blue globe thistle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A tall, architectural perennial that carries steel-blue, globe-shaped flower heads on stiff greyish stems in midsummer: bees and bumblebees work it constantly, and it is good for cutting and drying. Plant it in sun in lean, well-drained soil, where it also copes well with drought; in rich, moist ground it grows lanky and flops. The leaves are spiny and its deep taproot makes it resent transplanting, so give it its permanent place straight away, a little back from paths and play areas.

Watch out for

In rich or irrigated soil and in part shade the stems stretch and flop and then need staking. If the spent heads are not cut off it scatters seed, and seedlings turn up in neighbouring beds too. It rots in winter in heavy, waterlogged soil. Aphids can occur. Shops often sell it mixed up with the similar, shorter Echinops ritro; the cultivar name (for example Taplow Blue, Blue Glow, Star Frost) helps to tell which one you are getting.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–August, blue

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 60 cm
Ultimate size	1–1.8 m × 0.4–1 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–August, blue
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €6.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €6.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for full sun Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials Plants for a Mediterranean garden

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