Globe thistle prefers full sun and average to rich well-drained garden soil. It is very drought tolerant and can thrive in conditions that would wilt other perennials. Taller varieties need staking in windy locations and excessively fertile soil. They are very long-lasting, low-maintenance plants. Propagate from seeds, or root cuttings, or by division.
Globe thistle, with its prickly personality, will never gain stardom in the border, but this European native does provide a steel blue color and round shape found in no other flower. It is excellent for fresh flower arrangements and very enticing to honeybees and moths. The attractive foliage is not as daunting as the plant’s common name would suggest—globe is not a true thistle, just a good imitator. It is a tough, no-nonsense perennial that grows almost anywhere. ‘Veitch’s Blue’ is shown here.
ZONES: 3–10
BLOOM TIME: Mid- to late summer
LIGHT: Full sun
HEIGHT: 2–4 feet
INTEREST: Unique round steel blue flower heads; dramatic foliage
Plant globe thistle at the back or in the middle of a mixed border, where its unusual color and flower shape will provide an interesting contrast to other perennials. Globe thistle is also useful in meadow gardens, where it will thrive for years with little or no attention. Plant it in front of tall grasses for a backdrop for its unusual flowers, or combine it with other summer bloomers such as day lilies, purple coneflower, bee balm, and phlox.