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Photo:
Pat Kolling
Globe Thistle
Latin Name:
Echinops ritro
Unique, tall perennial that works well in a border. Gray to green, prickly foliage and globe-shaped flower heads add texture and interest
Taxon ID#
33
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Sun Preference:
Full Sun
Water Preference:
L
Soil Preference:
Average, poor, shallow-rocky, infertile (avoid rich soils), dry, well-drained
Fertilizer Needs:
Low
Recommended Mulch:
Family:
Asteraceae
Origins:
Plant Type:
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Central Asia, South-Central and Southeastern Europe
Oregon native:
no
Western state native:
no
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Green
Foliage Description:
Deeply lobed, curled and roughly- toothed spiny margins, coarse and covered with prickly hairs, white underside
Fragrant:
no
Predominant flower color:
Blue
Flower Description:
Pale purplish-blue, spiny, golf-ball size sphere
Fall color:
no
Fall Color Description:
Winter Foliage:
Deciduous
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
2-3'
Mature spread:
2 - 3'
Growth rate:
Fast
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
yes
Fire Resistant:
no
Attracts Pollinators:
yes
Attracts Butterflies:
yes
Native Habitat:
Central Asia, South-Central and Southeastern Europe
Attracts Birds:
no
Cut/Dried Flowers:
yes

Photo:
Pat Kolling
Used by Wildlife:
yes
Hedge/Screen:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Host for painted lady butterfly larva
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
no
Windbreak:
no
Cover Structures:
no
Ground Cover:
no
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
no
Adds Texture/Movement:
yes
First Bloom:
Jul
Last Bloom:
Sep
Ornamental Accent:
yes
Garden Observations:
Aphids in the summer!
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Cut back; stake if desired; after at least 3 years and when plantlets are visible, can divide--cut back roots to 8"
Summer Care:
Deadhead to prevent reseeding and/or cut back to basal foliage after flowering to encourage ;rebloom; stake if necessary- Watch for aphids
Fall Care:
Deadhead
Winter Care:
Do not cut back
Long Term Care:
Taprooted plant; difficult to divide or transplant; winter survival improved if not cut back until spring
Insect Pests:
Melon aphid, four-lined plant bug, celery (greenhouse) leaftier, crown rot, aphids, (no problems serious)
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
Environmental Problems:
Landscape Problems:
Care Comments:
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:

George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
Empire Stone
Instant Landscape
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales
Thank you!
Join an OSU Master Gardener managed community garden this summer!
Put your name in the lottery to get a plot at either Hollinshead's or Discovery Park's community garden.
More information for: Discovery Park Garden


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