Common Globe Daisy

Globularia bisnagarica is a charming evergreen perennial that brings a touch of wild mountain meadows to the garden. It forms a basal rosette of leathery, dark green, spatulate leaves from which emerge upright stems topped with distinctive, spherical, fluffy flower heads. These 'globes' are a soft lavender-blue and appear in late spring and early summer. Reaching approximately 20-25cm in height, it is slightly taller than its more common relative Globularia cordifolia, making it a good choice for the middle ground of a rock garden or a well-drained border edge. It is fully hardy (H5) and very easy to grow in the UK, provided it has a sunny spot and soil that does not become waterlogged. It is particularly effective when planted in small groups or combined with silver-leaved alpines. Bees and butterflies are often attracted to its nectar-rich flowers. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and requires very little maintenance other than removing faded flower stems.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.