Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Globe’ – Architectural Beauty with Bold Blue Flowers

The Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Globe’, commonly known as the Globe Thistle, is a striking perennial prized for its unique spherical blooms and architectural form. From mid- to late summer, it produces perfectly rounded, metallic-blue flower heads on tall, upright stems that rise above clumps of silvery-green foliage. These sculptural flowers bring drama, texture, and long-lasting colour to borders, gravel gardens, and wildlife-friendly plantings.

Loved by pollinators, the vibrant blue globes are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Their strong stems and bold blooms also make excellent cut flowers, both fresh and dried. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, ‘Blue Globe’ is a versatile choice for gardeners seeking long-season impact with minimal fuss.

General Information

Echinops are native to Europe and Asia and are valued for their bold shapes and toughness. The ‘Blue Globe’ cultivar is one of the most popular, admired for its vibrant colour and reliable performance.

• Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial with tall flowering stems.

• Height & spread: Typically grows 90–120cm tall and 60–80cm wide.

• Foliage: Deeply divided, silvery-green leaves with a slightly prickly texture.

• Flowers: Metallic-blue, globe-shaped flower heads up to 5cm across.

• Flowering season: July to September, providing late-summer colour.

• Position: Full sun is essential for the best growth and flowering.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates poor or sandy ground.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Ideal for borders, prairie-style plantings, gravel gardens, wildlife gardens, and cut flowers.

Its bold flowers and structural foliage make it a perfect companion for ornamental grasses, rudbeckias, and echinaceas in modern planting schemes.

Care Guide

Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Globe’ is easy to care for, rewarding gardeners with months of colour and years of reliable growth.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or autumn, though container-grown plants can be planted anytime.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space 50–60cm apart.

• Preparation: Prefers free-draining soil; add grit or sand to heavy soils.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during establishment in the first season.

• Once established, drought-tolerant and rarely needs extra watering.

• Feeding is not essential; too much fertiliser may reduce flowering.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming, or leave seed heads standing for winter structure.

• Cut stems back to ground level in late autumn or early spring.

• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring if they become congested.

• Wear gloves when handling, as the leaves can be prickly.

Protection

• Fully hardy with no need for winter protection.

• Pest- and disease-resistant, making it very reliable.

• May require staking in very exposed, windy sites.

Why Choose Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Globe’?

This perennial offers gardeners bold colour, wildlife value, and low-maintenance care.

• Striking flowers: Unique globe-shaped blooms in metallic blue.

• Architectural form: Adds structure and texture to borders and planting schemes.

• Pollinator-friendly: A favourite of bees and butterflies.

• Drought-tolerant: Thrives in poor, dry soils once established.

• Versatile use: Perfect for borders, prairie gardens, and as long-lasting cut flowers.

The Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Globe’ is a stunning perennial that combines architectural elegance with vibrant colour and resilience. Whether lighting up a sunny border, enhancing a wildlife garden, or providing sculptural flowers for arrangements, it is a must-have plant that brings both style and substance to any garden.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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