Echinops is an extremely attractive garden perennial that sets attractive accents with its unusual flowers, which can grow up to two meters high. The steel-blue flowers look like they are from another world and harmonize extremely well with modern gardens. In this article you will find out how to properly care for the uncomplicated globe thistle.
The globe thistle is very easy to care for
The water requirement
Immediately after planting, you should water the globe thistle regularly for a few weeks so that it grows well. The thistle is one of the least thirsty plants and as a result usually gets by with rainwater. Only during longer periods of drought should you water Echinops thoroughly from time to time.
Fertilize
The nutrient requirement of the globe thistle is also not particularly high. It is sufficient to provide the plant with some complete fertilizer in spring. The thistle thrives particularly well if you use Guano (€121.99) as fertilizer. This promotes the abundance of flowers and ensures strong and healthy growth of the plant. You can do without further fertilizer applications in summer.
To cut
Echinops does not need pruning during the summer months. Only withered and withered leaves should be cut off regularly. This prevents the globe thistle from self-seeding, which is often undesirable, and promotes new flowering.
In late autumn or spring, as with many garden perennials, the stems are cut off close to the ground.
winter protection
Echinops is relatively hardy and only needs winter protection from brushwood in the first year in mild regions. In subsequent years, the plant needs protection from frosts only in sites where the temperature drops below - 10 degrees.
diseases and pests
The globe thistle is one of the few garden plants that is hardly affected by diseases or pests. The thistle only reacts sensitively to too much moisture or waterlogging, which quickly leads to root rot.
Occasionally Echinops is visited by aphids or fungi. These types of damage can usually be brought under control quickly by spraying them with plant manure or chemical agents.
tips
Globe thistles have extremely prickly leaves. To avoid painful injuries to your hands, you should wear gloves for all care measures.