Globe thistle 'Taplow Blue' Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'
ABOUT
'Taplow Blue' is a robust, upright herbaceous perennial, with divided, prickly dark green leaves whitish beneath. Rounded, steel-blue flower heads on branched, leafy stems
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Globe Thistle, Blue Globe Thistle, Taplow Blue Sea Holly
Common names
Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue', also known as globe thistle, is particularly attractive to bees and butterflies which are vital for pollination.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, globe thistle is highly drought resistant, making it ideal for xeriscaped gardens and areas with low water availability.
- Deer resistant: The spiky texture and bitter taste of the plant's foliage make it unattractive to deer, protecting it from grazing.
- Visual interest: Globe thistle provides architectural interest with its spherical blue flower heads and deeply cut, thistle-like foliage, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Low maintenance: It is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, and is less prone to disease and pests compared to more delicate plants.
- Long blooming: This plant has a long flowering period, usually from mid to late summer, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended time.
- Cut flowers: The blooms of globe thistle make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, adding unique texture and lasting well in vases.
- Dried arrangements: Beyond their fresh use, the flower heads dry nicely and can be used in dried floral arrangements for winter interest.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue', commonly known as Globe thistle, can be used as a natural fabric dye, producing shades of grey and blue depending on the mordant used.
- The prickly texture of Globe thistle flowers makes them a deterrent against garden pests and animals when planted around the perimeter of a vegetable garden.
- Globe thistle can serve as an architectural feature in xeriscaping due to its unique spherical floral shape and its drought-resistant nature.
- When dried, the flower heads of Globe thistle make an unusual and long-lasting addition to floral arrangements and wreaths, adding texture and interest.
- The rigid stems of Globe thistle can be used in crafting, such as in making plant stakes for supporting other, more delicate plants in the garden.
- The silvery-blue foliage of Globe thistle can be a striking contrast when used in artistically designed gardens, playing off against plants with brighter green or variegated leaves.
- In educational gardens, Globe thistle can be used to teach about pollinators as it attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Globe thistle can be planted in mass to create a sound barrier with its dense foliage, absorbing noise pollution from roads and neighbors.
- The plant can be used in landscape photography, where its distinctive round flowers add a point of interest in garden vistas or close-up botanical shots.
- Due to its robust nature, Globe thistle works well for remediation in degraded soils where it can help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
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- Endurance: The globe thistle, which is a common name of Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue', has spiky leaves and stems that give it an appearance of ruggedness and the ability to withstand challenging conditions, representing endurance and strength.
- Protection: Its thorny aspect can symbolize protection and defense, suggesting the idea of safeguarding oneself or others from harm.
- Independence: Globe thistles often stand tall and solitary in the wild, representing independence and the notion of standing strong on one’s own.
- Uniqueness: With its unique spherical flower heads and striking blue color, it can symbolize individuality and the celebration of one's unique traits and personality.
- Mystery: The intricate structure of the globe-shaped flower head can denote mystery and the complexity of the unknown, hinting at hidden depths and secrets to be unraveled.
WaterGlobe thistle, 'Taplow Blue', prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. During the growing season, a good rule of thumb is to provide about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. Adjust watering during hot, dry periods to maintain moisture without overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. In colder climates, reduce watering in the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy. An adult plant typically requires around 0.5 to 1 gallon per week, depending on weather conditions.
LightGlobe thistle thrives best in full sunlight, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for 'Taplow Blue' would be in an open area where it is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. Partial shade is tolerated, but full sun encourages the best blooms and plant vigor.
TemperatureThe globe thistle 'Taplow Blue' is a hardy perennial that can tolerate a range of temperatures, with ideal growing conditions between 60°F to 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. During extreme heat, it may require additional watering to keep the soil moist and cool.
PruningPrune globe thistle 'Taplow Blue' to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. Deadheading spent flowers can stimulate a second bloom and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. It's also a good practice to cut back the entire plant to the ground in late fall after it has gone dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGlobe Thistle 'Taplow Blue' thrives in well-draining soil with a light mix of sand, loam, and compost. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingGlobe Thistle 'Taplow Blue' typically does not require frequent repotting; repot every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingGlobe Thistle 'Taplow Blue' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, space 18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleEchinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue', commonly known as Globe Thistle, begins its life as a seed which germinates in late winter to early spring under the right conditions of moisture and temperature. Once germinated, the plant develops a rosette of deeply cut, spiky leaves close to the ground, preparing to store energy for growth. As it matures, Globe Thistle sends up tall, sturdy stems in late spring to mid-summer, reaching up to about 4 to 6 feet in height, and these stems bear spherical, steel-blue flower heads that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Following the blooming period in summer, the flowers will produce seeds by late summer to early fall, which can be dispersed by wind or animal activity to create new plants. During autumn, the plant begins to die back as it enters a period of dormancy throughout the winter. In the subsequent spring, the cycle can start anew if the seeds have found suitable conditions, or the existing plant may regrow from its rootstock if it is a perennial in its growing zone.
PropogationPropogation time
Summer-early Fall
Propogation: Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue', commonly known as Globe Thistle, is best propagated through division, which is often done in spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a portion of the root system. These sections can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil at a similar depth to which they were growing previously. Make sure to water the new plants well to help establish them. It's important to divide Globe Thistle every few years to maintain the health and vigor of the plant, and this also provides an excellent opportunity for propagation.
