Add these peppy pompons to fresh arrangements or dry them to enjoy globe thistle long after the growing season.
They are hardy in almost all climates (Zones 3-10) and tolerate poor soil conditions.
Globe thistle foliage has prickly spines, so be aware when planting near pathways and childrens play areas.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Place the plant in the hole and fill in the soil, tamping it down as you work.
If planting multiple seedlings, space them approximately 16 to 24 inches apart.
Water thoroughly and keep watering your new plants daily for the first couple of weeks.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Globe Thistle Care Tips
Globe thistles are no-fuss perennials that need little tending once they are established.
Light
Globe thistles grow best in full sun.
If the soil is too moist, your plants will likely develop root rot.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Rather than overwater, add a thin layer of mulch to help the soil retain its moisture levels.
In very humid conditions, powdery mildew or otherfungal diseasesare more likely to develop.
To prevent this issue, double-check to position your plants with ample space for airflow.
Credit: Greg Ryan
Fertilizer
Globe thistle plants do not need fertilization.
Just be sure to wear gloves, as the leaves have little spines, and the stems produce thorns.
After it dries, shake the bag to release the seeds from the flower head.
Credit: Scott Little
Sow the seeds immediately outside or store them in a cool, dry place until the spring.
Do not begin supplemental watering until after the first frost in the spring.
Lightly dust them with a layer of soil and mist the top with water.
Credit: Tim Murphy
Spritz with water if the soil begins to feel dry.
This is the best method of propagation if you have a hybrid cultivar and want to create identical plants.
Zones 5-9
Small Globe Thistle
Echinops ritrogrows 2-3 feet tall.
Credit: Illustration by Gary Palmer
Its silvery leaves resemble those of a thistle.
Spiny globe-shaped flowers open slivery-blue and mature to bright blue.
Cut them just before they fully open to dry them.
It is bothered by few pests or diseases.
It’s a great cut flowerbring in armloads to brighten the house.
And birds and butterflies love it.
Allow it to spread so you have at least a small stand of it.
Butterflies and helpful bees also love purple coneflower.
It used to be that rosy purple or white were the only choices in flower color.
Recent hybrids have introduced yellow, orange, burgundy, cream, and shades in between.
Depending on the variety, coreopsis also bears golden-yellow, pale yellow, pink, or bicolor flowers.
It will bloom from early to midsummer or longer if it’s deadheaded.
Yarrow
Yarrow is one of those plants thatgive a wildflower look to any garden.
In fact, it is indeed a native plant, and predictably, it’s easy to care for.
Its colorful, flat-top blooms rise above clusters of ferny foliage.
If deadheaded after its first flush of blooms fade, yarrow will rebloom.
If left to dry on the plant, flower clusters of some types provide winter interest.
Flowers of yarrow are excellent either in fresh or dried arrangements.
You’ll also find bright yellow yarrow and potentilla in shades of warm orange.
The low-growing foliage of artemisia and thyme gives the front of the bed a clean finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
The large spherical blooms of globe thistle are fantastic in floral arrangements.
