Echinops–also called Globe Thistle–is a hardy perennial in the Asteraceae family that can overwinter without fuss in USDA zones 3-9. Echinops blooms into spiky blue spheres crowning long stems and silvery foliage. This low-maintenance plant adds textural interest to the garden and freely reseeds, especially in warmer zones. If you are concerned about Echinops escaping cultivation, keep the stems cut before the flower goes to seed.

Once unboxed, watered, and hardened off, plant Echinops plugs as soon as possible to avoid root binding. Plant out in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed. Like many perennials, Echinops will put on vegetative growth in year one, and flower in year two. The plant is very tolerant of soil type and quality, growing best in slightly acidic, well draining soil. As a facultative long-day plant, the flowers will begin blooming during the long days of summer–plant in full sun for maximum flowering.

Though the plug plants are small, give them 18-24" of space between each plant to allow for their mature size. There's no need to pinch the stems. Though all young plants need regular overhead watering for a few weeks after transplant, Echinops are quite drought-tolerant once established. A low maintenance plant, it is very hardy and not susceptible to disease or insect pressure. European corn borers may find them in areas with lots of corn production. Powdery mildew might appear later in the season.

Echinops is a versatlie plant that can be utlized fresh or dried. For fresh use in floral arrangements, cut when the first florets have opened. To avoid messy pollen shed, cut your stems before 1/3 of the flowers have opened. For dried flowers, harvest when the globe is showing color but has not yet bloomed. You can expect a vase life of 7-10 days; a floral preservative like Chrysal will maximize vase life.