Echinops bannaticus is, in fact, a well-behaved Globe Thistle which adds textural interest to a sunny border planting. Plants form a bushy, upright mound of thistly-looking leaves, with stems bearing ball-shaped spiky silvery-white flowers throughout the summer months. The flowers are excellent for both cutting or drying. 

The leaves are deep green on the upper side and a beautiful grey-green on the underside.  Attractive to butterflies and bees this Globe Thistle is easily divided every 3 to 4 years, in early spring. Plants can be cut back in late Autumn or be left for winter interest. Grow in an area that does not get too wet.  We have found that growing this plant in gravel has meant that it has thrived as you will see from the photos.  In other areas of the garden, we make sure that we add in a few handfuls of reasonably course gravel in order to help with the drainage.  This is a great choice of plant for mid to back of the border.  Bees and butterflies adore this plant and we have watched as the bees circumnavigate the flower heads getting the pollen.

Height to 90-100cm x 80cm wide

Perennial | Hardy 

Plant size: 1 litres