Also known as Globe Thistle · 409 saves
Echinops
Echinops, the genus most gardeners know as globe thistle. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Echinops varieties
Browse all 6 Echinops varieties →
4 species of Echinops
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Echinops in Sow
Save the Echinops you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Echinops
Whats common across all Echinops varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Echinops year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide large, overcrowded clumps every 4-5 years
- PlantMarch, April, September and October67% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring after frost or in early fall
- HarvestJune–August67% of varieties
Cut flowers when fully open for fresh or dried arrangements
- DeadheadJuly and August67% of varieties
Remove spent flowers if self-seeding is a concern
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Cut back old stems and dead foliage before new growth starts
- Winter PrepOctober33% of varieties
Leave seed heads standing for winter interest and bird food
- StakeMay33% of varieties
Provide support for tall stems in rich soil or windy sites.
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Prune back after flowering to encourage bushy growth
- Apply a light layer of mulch annually
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall, wait until early spring
- Refrain from fertilizing excessively to prevent leggy growth
What goes wrong with Echinops
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Webbing on foliage | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide or improve air circulation |
Making more Echinops
seeds
- Tuck seeds 1/4 inch deep in prepared soil
- Keep soil moist and place in a warm location
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks, take 6 weeks for seedlings to establish
division
- Divide mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Use a sharp spade to separate roots into sections
- Plant divisions immediately into prepared soil
Echinops questions
How many types of Echinops are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Echinops varieties. The most popular — ranked by 409 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Echinops grow in?
Across its varieties, Echinops covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Echinops bloom?
Most Echinops varieties bloom in mid to late summer, mid to late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Echinops should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.