Globe Thistle 'Taplow Blue'

Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' is a striking, architectural perennial that brings texture and unique form to the summer garden. It produces perfectly spherical, golf-ball-sized flower heads of an intense, powdery blue, held on tall, silvery-grey branched stems. The foliage is equally distinctive, consisting of large, deeply lobed, prickly leaves that are green on top and silvery-white underneath. Reaching up to 1.5 metres in height, it is an excellent plant for the back of a sunny border. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and thrives in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It is a magnet for bees and butterflies, which can often be seen covering the globe-like blooms. The flower heads also provide winter interest if left on the plant and are exceptional for both fresh and dried floral arrangements. It is fully hardy (H7) and relatively low maintenance, although its height may necessitate some support in more exposed, windy gardens. It is a quintessential plant for a naturalistic or coastal garden.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.