Globe Thistle (Echinops
sphaerocephalus) Info
A wonderful Fae plant,
although not often grown, the globe thistle is connected to the Third Eye
chakra. It is associated with intuition, telepathy, and psychic abilities.
The
flower essence is helpful in allowing us to make
sacrifices that will set us free, to give up what is non-essential, and
to serve the greatest good. It also encourages a global
perspective and understanding. This plant represents
the ability to leave the dead past behind. Top
The spherical white flowers are 2-3" wide and appear July-August on red
stems. They make good fresh cut or dried flowers. Keep them picked, and
the plant will keep looming. The weird white
flowers attract bees,
butterflies, and hummingbirds and especially draw night-flying moths,
so there is more than
a bit of Moon in this plant, and its white blooms and silvery
green/grey-green leaves (which can be over a foot long) make it a fine candidate for the Moon
Garden. The flowers give way to soft, white, feathery down that the Iroquois made into
seats for the representatives of the Five Nations
Confederacy. The soft down makes a good contrast to the prickly leaves. This handsome Mars plant and European native
resists being eaten by deer and rabbits and is said to repel voles. This plant
is also known as Great Globethistle and Hedgehog (in various languages).
Top
How to grow Arctic Glow Globe Thistle:
Barely cover seeds to germinate in 2 weeks at 68F/20C. This perennial
will happily grow in zones 4-8 (down to -30F/-34C). It likes full sun
to partial shade and ordinary soil--rich soil will make it floppy--and
dryish conditions. It is drought resistant once it is established. It
will form a clump; divide it in the spring every 3-4 years. You can mow
it to the ground in late fall or let it stay for winter interest. This
named variety does not get as tall or as leggy as the species (30 in/80
cm), but it can become floppy if grown in rich soil. If so, use a peony
ring to grow them through or just loosely bind the stalks together with
jute string.
General
growing info Top
© 2004 Harold A. Roth;
No reproduction without permission