Flower Library
Globe Thistle
Echinops ritro · Korbblütler (Asteraceae)
The globe thistle is one of the most rewarding summer flowers of all: perfectly round, steel-blue flower orbs on firm, grey-frosted stems. We source it in A1 grade at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, and with the globe thistle this really pays off, because it then often stays fresh well beyond two weeks and dries effortlessly afterwards.
- Season
- July – August – September
- Vase life
- 8–14 days
- Latin name
- Echinops ritro
- Colors
- Steel blue, Violet-blue, Silver-grey, White
Despite its name the globe thistle is botanically not a true thistle but a member of the daisy family. What looks like a single bloom is in fact a perfect sphere made up of many tiny individual flowers. The trade is dominated by Echinops ritro, alongside the sturdier Echinops bannaticus. Well-known cultivars include the deep-blue Veitchs Blue, the robust Taplow Blue and the white Arctic Glow.
In floristry the globe thistle is a real character. Its graphic, geometric shape brings structure to any bouquet and provides a counterpoint to soft, rounded blooms such as roses, hydrangeas or dahlias. We like to use it in summery meadow bouquets, in modern arrangements and in dried designs, because it holds its form and colour for weeks.
Quality shows in firm, straight stems and in orbs that are only just beginning to open. Cut shortly before full bloom, the steel-blue is at its most intense and the shelf life at its longest. Fully opened heads are pretty but tend to shed individual florets more quickly. A note for handling: the flower orbs and the undersides of the leaves are prickly, so gloves are a good idea.
Stylistically the globe thistle fits beautifully into the natural, slightly wild summer look. Combined with grasses, yarrow, eryngium and coneflower it creates airy, bee-friendly bouquets in shades of blue, silver and sand. For a calmer look, pair the cool orbs with warm white and plenty of green. As a dried flower it keeps its colour unusually long and remains a lasting eye-catcher.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle and place them immediately in lukewarm, clean water; handle woody stem ends with care.
- 02Remove the lower leaves so that no foliage sits in the water and rots.
- 03Keep the vase in a cool spot away from direct sun, draughts and heat sources.
- 04Change the water every two to three days and trim the stem ends each time.
- 05Wear gloves when arranging, as the flower orbs and leaf undersides are prickly.
- 06To dry, hang upside down in an airy, shaded place while the orbs are still in bud.
Frequently asked
- How long does the globe thistle last in the vase?
- With good care the globe thistle usually lasts eight to fourteen days, with top stock often even longer. With our A1 grade from the Veiling Rhein-Maas the upper end is reached regularly. Afterwards it dries easily and stays beautiful as a dried flower for months.
- Is the globe thistle toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- The globe thistle is considered non-toxic to humans and animals and appears, for example, on the ASPCA list of non-toxic plants. The real hazard is mechanical: the flower orbs and leaf edges are prickly and can scratch or prick. Keep vases out of reach of curious children and pets.
- When is the globe thistle in season?
- The main season is in high summer, roughly from July to September. During this period it is available at the auction in top quality. As a dried flower it can be had all year round.
- Is the globe thistle suitable for drying?
- Yes, it is one of the best dried flowers there is. Drying works best when the orbs are still in the budding, freshly coloured stage and hung upside down in an airy, shaded place. This keeps the steel-blue for an unusually long time.