Thistles are frowned upon in gardens. At least not the wild ones. A real eye-catcher, however, is the blue globe thistle. She's even welcome in the garden.
Wild thistles grow like crazy and are often worse than dandelions. Since they are root germs, you can hardly get rid of them. They would have to pull out the entire root, otherwise they would come again and again. But there are also thistles that you can buy separately and place in the beds. However, this is not the ordinary everyday thistle that can be found in every meadow, but the ornamental thistle, also known as the blue globe thistle.
The blue globe thistle blooms in a beautiful blue in summer and, depending on the variety, reaches up to 120 centimeters in height. Because the globe thistle harmonises with many bedding plants, it is particularly suitable for beds that are already planted in the lower area. So she can shoot up and take the upper area. You don't even have to do much for that. The blue globe thistle is extremely easy to care for.
How to plant the blue globe thistle correctly
Location & Ground:
If you want to bring the blue globe thistle into your garden, you should know that globe thistles love the sun. So you can choose a full sun location in the garden. It is only important that the soil at this location is not too wet. Dry soil is better. The blue globe thistle also thrives very well on sandy and stony soil.
Planting:
It is best to always plant the globe thistle in autumn, making sure that you plant high-growing varieties in the background and low-growing varieties in the foreground. It is also important that you install a rhizome barrier in the soil so that the plant cannot spread uncontrollably. Also keep a planting distance of about 50 cm.
Once you have planted the globe thistles in the garden, it is only important that you water them a little every day for the first four weeks.
How to properly care for the blue globe thistle
Water & fertilize:
The globe thistle likes dry soil, but you still have to water it from time to time. Once a week is enough. be itbecause it is very dry outside, then you can or should water more often.
In terms of fertilizing, you don't have to do much with this plant. It is sufficient if you fertilize the globe thistles in spring. It is best to use complete fertilizer.
Cut:
You do not have to cut the blue globe thistle regularly. Only in late autumn are the stems cut off close to the ground. On the other hand, if you want to prevent the globe thistle from seeding itself, then you must regularly cut off the faded inflorescences.
Winter Protection:
The blue globe thistle is actually quite hardy. However, once you have planted them, it is advisable to protect them from the cold in winter. Simply cover the plants with a layer of brushwood. If the temperatures fall below -10 degrees in the following years, cover them with a layer of brushwood.
How to dry the globe thistle
Globe thistles look simply wonderful when dried. To do this, you still need to cut the inflorescences before opening. Then tie up and hang upside down in a shady and airy place to dry.