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The shop is now closed. The listing here is for information only. Please see the Home Page for more information.
The shop is now closed. The listing here is for information only. Please see the Home Page for more information.
Echinops exaltatus
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| Giant globe thistle | ||||||||||||
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| The largest echinops, growing to at least 2m tall - and usually more, looks magnificent at the back of the bed or as a specimen plant. It is advisable to remove seed heads before they disintegrate, as the thick, long roots can make unwanted, self-seeded, plants difficult to remove. But don't let that put you off - this plant has a valuable place in the garden, not only for its striking, architectural form but because the succession of pale blue flowers, on globes sometimes over 2.5in/70mm in diameter throughout summer and into autumn, are a magnet for bees, hoverflies and butterflies. I had to remove the seeds from the shop last year when I discovered that they had failed miserably! This year is another story - butterflies and bees have visited the plants in abundance - but to be sure that the seed supplied is viable I have removed the husks and retained only plump seed. |
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| Sowing and/or growing instructions | ||||||||||||
| Very easy to grow. Sow individually in 3in pots, 0.5in/10mm deep, planting out in final positions, 24in/60cm apart when large enough to fend for themselves. Alternatively, sow thinly, direct, thinning to at least 1 metre apart. These very tall plants may need a little support, especially late in the year. Cut hard back in late autumn, having earlier removed seedheads if you do not wish them to self-sow (highly recommended). |
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| Callistephus chinensis, Ex. single white | Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii | Typhonium Syn. Sauromatum venosum | Pseudofumaria Syn. Corydalis lutea | Chelidonium majus |
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