Plant guide

Globe thistle.

Echinops ritro

Pronounced EK-in-ops RIT-ro

Also known as Southern Globethistle, globe thistle, small globe thistle

Globe thistle is a striking perennial that brings architectural flair to any garden with its unique, spherical blue blooms. It is a tough plant that thrives in sunny spots and attracts plenty of pollinators. You will love how its metallic blue color stands out against its silvery, deeply cut foliage.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet
Growth rate: Medium

Care

Plant this beauty in well draining soil to keep the roots happy. Watch for wilting during extreme heat, but otherwise it is quite drought tolerant once established. Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage a potential second flush of blooms later in the season.

Watering: Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: A light application of balanced compost in early spring is plenty for this hardy plant.
Pruning: Cut the stems back to the ground in late autumn or early spring to tidy up the plant.
Repotting: Globe thistle prefers to stay in one spot, but you can divide the clumps every few years if they get too crowded.
Soil: Well draining, sandy or rocky soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline

Safety

Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

How to identify it

Perfectly spherical, metallic blue flower heads
Deeply lobed, thistle like silvery leaves
Stiff, upright stems reaching several feet
Spiny bracts surrounding individual florets

Science

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Echinops
Order: Asterales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Is your globe thistle looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.