Product description
Echinops Taplow Blue is a fiercely rugged, architectural globe thistle that operates as an absolute heavyweight pollinator magnet. It builds a massive, spiky, grey-green framework before producing striking, metallic silvery-blue spherical flower heads that will literally vibrate with bees and hoverflies from dawn until dusk.
You must plant it in full sun using poor, fast-draining chalky or sandy dirt, allowing its massive underground taproot to drive deep into the earth. It actively thrives on total neglect and drought, but absolutely resents being dug up or moved once established, and you must not fertilise it, or it will grow weak and flop over.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Globe Thistle
Echinops 'Taplow Blue'
Echinops 'Taplow Blue'
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Product description
Echinops Taplow Blue is a fiercely rugged, architectural globe thistle that operates as an absolute heavyweight pollinator magnet. It builds a massive, spiky, grey-green framework before producing striking, metallic silvery-blue spherical flower heads that will literally vibrate with bees and hoverflies from dawn until dusk.
You must plant it in full sun using poor, fast-draining chalky or sandy dirt, allowing its massive underground taproot to drive deep into the earth. It actively thrives on total neglect and drought, but absolutely resents being dug up or moved once established, and you must not fertilise it, or it will grow weak and flop over.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Give your plants the best start
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Leave the structural, spiky seed heads of Echinops Taplow Blue standing straight through the dormant season to provide spectacular architectural interest and food for foraging birds.
How to Water
Water deeply only during the initial establishment phase to help the taproot of Echinops Taplow Blue drive down into the earth. Once settled, completely ignore it with the hose, as it thrives on neglect and actively prefers mild drought. Forcing it to sit in damp soil will rapidly cause the crown to rot away.
How to Plant
Choose a spot in full sun with poor, fast-draining soil like chalk or sand for Echinops Taplow Blue. Dig a deep hole to accommodate the massive taproot and backfill without adding any rich compost or fertiliser. Once planted, leave it completely undisturbed because the deep root fiercely resents being dug up or moved.
