Globe thistle Echinops ritro
Globe thistle (Echinops ritro) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Southern Europe and western Asia. It grows 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Globe thistle in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Globe thistle at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Europe and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Globe thistle toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No toxicity data found in ASPCA or standard poison references; spiny leaves can scratch skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Globe thistle
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Globe thistle
- How far apart should I plant Globe thistle?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Globe thistle need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Globe thistle need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Globe thistle?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Globe thistle flower?
- From about July for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Globe thistle poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No toxicity data found in ASPCA or standard poison references; spiny leaves can scratch skin.
- What grows well with Globe thistle?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Globe thistle. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Deep taproot; very drought tolerant once established and good for bees. Dislikes wet soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus