July Plant of the Month
This is the bluest of the globe thistles shorter in height than the regular types. All have an architectural presence and, if you like the round headed flowers of alliums, then you’ll probably like a globe thistle.
Its silvery leaves are thistle-like without being prickly, but can look a bit tired and crispy towards the base as the flowers are at their peak – July to August. They have stood up well in the hot, bone dry conditions we’ve experienced this summer and insects love them. As I sit in the shade nearby, both honey and bumble bees jostle for position on the attractive flowers.
A compact hardy perennial that thrives in poor, free draining soil in sun or part shade. I cut away the foliage when it dies back in the autumn and the new foliage emerges silver in the spring. 70cm – 1m high.
