great globe thistle

Great globe thistle (Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow') should be watered regularly and deeply, about once per week. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. The exact amount of water needed will vary based on environmental factors such as sunlight, humidity, and temperature, so be sure to check the soil moisture regularly. During hot summer months, more frequent waterings may be necessary. It is also important to water from the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage.

Great Globe Thistle is a sun-loving plant species that requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day during the peak of its growing season in order to properly thrive. When growing in harsher climates, such as those in the northern United States, Great Globe Thistle will often benefit from a few hours of additional light, such as from a midday sun or an overhead light source. During the cooler months of the year, when days are shorter and the sun is weaker, Great Globe Thistle will typically require a bit less sunlight than in the summer and may even benefit from a couple of days of partial shade throughout the week.

Great Globe Thistle should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring. Some light pruning may also be beneficial throughout the growing season, taking away any faded or dead flowers and leaves to keep it looking neat. To make sure your thistle keeps its round shape, thin out the shoots so that the strongest are left to develop into flowering stems. If your thistle is starting to look a bit overgrown, cutting off 1/3 of the top growth can help to renew the plant and encourage fresh growth.