Echinops Collection

Teasel, Dipsacus fullonum, and pale globe thistle, Echinops sphaerocephalus. Handcoloured woodblock engraving of a botanical illustration from Adam Lonicers Krauterbuch, or Herbal, Frankfurt, 1557

Great globe thistle, Echinops sphaerocephalus. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after an illustration by Richard Duppa from his The Classes and Orders of the Linnaean System of Botany, Longman

Globe thistle, Echinops sphaerocephalus, Polygamia segregata, flower 1, and single floret 2, 3. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by F

Globe thistle, Echinops, Echinops bannaticus Taplow Blue
Globe thistle, Echinops bannaticus Taplow Blue, close up with Honey Bee

White globe thistle, Echinops, Echinops bannaticus Star Frost
White Globe Thistle, Echinops bannaticus Star Frost Close up showing the spiky texture

Globe thistle Echinops Brown Perennial Flowering season Summer
Spherical seed heads of Globe thistle, Echinops cultivar

Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro), dead in winter landscape with Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) silhouet behind, Gran Paradiso national park, Italian Alps, Italy, January

Annual globe-thistle, Echinops strigosa.. Handcoloured copperplate engraving drawn by John Curtis and engraved by Weddell from Curtiss Botanical Magazine, 1819, Samuel Curtis, Walworth, London

Globe Thistle -Echinops ritro-, Lycia, Turkey, Asia Minor

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"Echinops: The Majestic Globe Thistle" Echinops, commonly known as the globe thistle, is a stunning perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. With its unique spherical flower heads and spiky appearance, it adds a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. One variety of often referred to as Teasel or Dipsacus fullonum due to its resemblance to these plants. However, unlike teasels, Echinops boasts vibrant blue flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Another member of this enchanting genus is the Great globe thistle (Echinops sphaerocephalus), which showcases pale globes atop tall stems. The Taplow Blue (Echinops bannaticus) cultivar stands out with its striking deep blue flower heads resembling miniature planets suspended in mid-air. On the other hand, Star Frost (Echinops bannaticus) captivates with its pure white blooms that gleam like celestial orbs against a backdrop of green foliage. Globe thistles are renowned for their resilience and ability to thrive during summer months when many other plants struggle under scorching heat. Their captivating blossoms bring color and life to gardens while attracting beneficial insects essential for maintaining ecological balance. In winter landscapes, the Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro) gracefully bows out but leaves behind an artistic silhouette amidst frost-kissed surroundings. This dormant period also offers refuge for Alpine ibex (Capra), who find solace among these resilient plants. For those seeking annual varieties, the Annual globe-thistle (Echinops strigosa) presents itself as a delightful option. Its delicate petals burst forth in shades ranging from soft blues to vibrant purples—truly an ephemeral beauty worth cherishing. Even beyond Europe's borders lies another enchanting sight—the Globe Thistle in Lycia, Turkey, Asia Minor (Echinops ritro).