Globe Thistle Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow'
ABOUT
Arctic Glow is a striking perennial known for its unique and attractive aesthetic. This plant features a basal clump of deeply cut, spiny, and somewhat hairy leaves that are a striking silver-white color, giving them a frosty appearance. The leaves are bold and deeply lobed, creating a textured look that adds depth and interest to garden spaces. During the blooming period, Arctic Glow produces globular, thistle-like flowers that boast a bright steel-blue hue, drawing the eye with their spherical shape and vibrant color. These flower heads are perched atop sturdy, branching stems that rise above the foliage, presenting a contrasting yet harmonious display against the silvery leaves. The overall impression of Arctic Glow is one of dramatic color contrasts and architectural form, with its spiky foliage and spherical blooms creating a distinctive silhouette that adds a touch of whimsy and exotic charm to gardens. The plant exudes a bold presence and is often admired for its ability to stand out in a mixed border or as a focal point in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Globe Thistle, Great Globe Thistle, Pale Globe Thistle
Common names
Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as globe thistle may cause mild irritation to humans if any part of the plant is ingested or if the skin comes into contact with its sap or spines. This irritation might include symptoms like stomach ache, salivation, or diarrhea. However, it is not considered highly toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant may lead to discomfort, but is unlikely to cause severe poisoning.
To pets
The globe thistle is not known to be highly toxic to pets, but it can cause minor irritations or gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. It is always recommended to keep an eye on your pet and consult a veterinarian if they have ingested any part of the plant and are showing adverse symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (91-122 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (61-91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow', commonly known as Globe Thistle, offers striking spherical flowers and silvery-white stems that add unique visual interest to a garden.
- Drought Tolerance: As a hardy perennial, Globe Thistle is quite drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering once established and thus conserving water.
- Pollinator Attraction: The bright blooms of Globe Thistle are loved by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Globe Thistle typically requires little care, making it a practical choice for gardeners who prefer plants that do not need constant attention.
- Disease and Pest Resistance: This plant is known for being resistant to many common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long Blooming Period: Globe Thistle has a lengthy blooming season, typically from mid to late summer, providing color and interest for an extended time.
- Deer Resistance: Globe Thistle is not favored by deer, which makes it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Interesting Cut Flowers: The flowers of Globe Thistle make for intriguing and long-lasting cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets.
- Structural Plant: The firm structure and height of Globe Thistle can provide architectural interest and can be used as a backdrop for lower-growing plants in garden design.
- Cold Hardy: Being cold-tolerant, Globe Thistle is suitable for planting in cooler climates and can survive frosts, expanding the range of areas where it can be grown.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinops 'Arctic Glow' can be utilized in dried floral arrangements after the blossoms have faded, adding a unique, spiky texture to the display.
- These plants can serve as a natural deterrent to some pests in the garden due to their spiky foliage and textured flowers.
- The round, globe-like flowers of Echinops 'Arctic Glow' make an interesting subject for macro and close-up photography, providing a distinct pattern and shape.
- Echinops sphaerocephalus can be used as part of a natural dye process, where the flowers and stems offer shades of blue and green to textiles.
- Gardeners may use this plant to create a themed moon garden due to its silvery-white flowers that reflect the moonlight at night.
- The unique structure of the plant can inspire artists and designers, who may incorporate its spherical shape into jewelry, decorative patterns, or sculptures.
- These plants can be used in educational settings to teach about pollinators, as they attract bees and butterflies, demonstrating the importance of providing food sources for beneficial insects.
- The tall, erect nature of Echinops 'Arctic Glow' stalks can be used to add vertical accent in informal garden fences or barriers.
- Incorporating this plant into a sensory garden provides a tactile experience, where visitors can feel the unique, bristly texture of the flower heads.
- Echinops 'Arctic Glow' can be included in a wildlife garden to offer seeds as a food source for birds during the fall and winter months.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Globe Thistle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Globe Thistle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Uniqueness: The striking globe-shaped blooms of the Globe Thistle (Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow') symbolize individuality and uniqueness due to their unusual and distinctive appearance.
- Attraction: With its luminous white blooms, the Globe Thistle represents the power to attract attention and the beauty within that draws others in, much like a magnet.
- Protected love: The thorny texture of this plant signifies protection, suggesting that like Globe Thistle secures its blooms with spiky leaves, true love must be safeguarded.
- Independence: The ability of the Globe Thistle to stand alone with its bold blooms represents independence and the strength to stand apart from the crowd.
- Healing: Traditionally, thistle-like plants were associated with healing due to their medicinal properties. Thus, Globe Thistle could also symbolize the ability to heal.
WaterGlobe thistle should be watered deeply but infrequently, as the plant is drought tolerant. The top inch of soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again. Typically, 1 gallon of water per plant every 7 to 10 days during the active growing season should suffice, but this can vary depending on climate conditions. Be sure to reduce the watering frequency as the plant goes dormant in the winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to ensure good drainage and to avoid letting the plant sit in saturated soil.
LightGlobe thistle thrives in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in an area that provides unobstructed sunlight for most of the day, as this will promote vigorous growth and optimal flowering. Partial shade is also tolerated, but the plant may not bloom as prolifically.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for globe thistle is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from prolonged freezes. Similarly, globe thistle can survive temporary spikes above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but consistent high temperatures may affect its growth.
PruningGlobe thistle should be pruned to remove spent flower heads and to encourage additional blooming. Pruning can be done in late summer or early fall after the flowers have faded. Deadheading, or cutting back the entire plant to its basal leaves, can be performed annually. The best time for pruning is after flowering, to prevent self-seeding if desired, and to tidy up the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGlobe thistle 'Arctic Glow' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix composed of garden soil, compost, and sand in equal parts provides the ideal texture and fertility for robust growth.
RepottingGlobe thistle 'Arctic Glow' typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth or when it becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingGlobe thistle 'Arctic Glow' is tolerant of dry to moderate humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive, making it suitable for typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place globe thistle in bright light and water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleEchinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow', also known as Globe Thistle, starts its life cycle when the seed germinates, typically in spring, given moist soil and cool temperatures. The seedling stage follows, with young plants developing a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As it enters the vegetative stage, the rosette grows larger and the plant begins to form a sturdy stem. During the flowering stage in late summer, 'Arctic Glow' produces striking globular, white flower heads on tall stems, which are highly attractive to pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind, allowing for the colonization of new areas. In winter, the plant dies back to the ground, with the roots remaining dormant until the next growing season begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow', commonly known as Globe Thistle, is often propagated by seed or division. The most popular method is division, which should be done in early spring or late fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent plant, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the root ball into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to accommodate future growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish their roots. It is crucial to maintain consistent moisture without overwatering during the first growing season to ensure successful establishment.
