Dried Echinops

Echinops is dried when its inflorescences are still in bud. They are topped with characteristic, “bristly” spherical flowers. The color of dried echinops flowers ranges from white to shades of blue and purple.

Echinops

Globe thistle (Echinops) is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It originates from Asia, but over the years the species has also become common in Europe and Africa. It can be found both in flower beds and growing wild. Globe thistle is valued primarily for its aesthetic qualities. It looks great in the garden. It is an ideal plant for creating dry bouquets, although florists sometimes include it in compositions with fresh flowers. It is worth noting that the species is very popular among beekeepers. Since globe thistle is a honey plant, it can often be found near apiaries.

What does echinops look like?

Echinops can grow up to 2 meters tall. The plant is characterized by a stiff, erect stem. The shoot is covered with pubescence. It often branches. On the stem, the ragwort develops strongly cut, serrated, and spiny leaves, which are intensely green on top and lighter underneath. The larger leaves are found at the bottom of the shoot, and the smaller ones at the top. At the tops of the stems, the plant develops blue-violet flowers gathered in round, prickly inflorescences. Echinops usually blooms from July to September. It is worth noting that specimens that are not yet fully developed should be collected for drying. This way, the plant will retain its natural appearance and will not shed.

Echinops in natural conditions and in the garden

Echinops is not a species that requires special conditions for growth and development. In nature, it usually grows in meadows, wastelands, and ruderal areas. It grows primarily in areas with good sunlight exposure. It prefers well-drained soils where water does not stagnate. The plant is resistant not only to drought but also to frost. For this reason, it can be found in various climatic zones.

Echinops is perfect for gardens and flower beds. It is best to plant it in a sunny spot, in dry, sandy or gravelly, not very fertile soil. The optimal soil pH should be neutral or slightly alkaline. It is worth remembering that this species does not tolerate waterlogging well. This can lead to reduced flowering or the death of its lower parts. However, the plant's advantage is its resistance to disease and pest infestation, which means that it requires virtually no attention. Echinops propagates from seeds. In the right location, the plant can self-seed profusely, which in turn makes it a highly invasive species.

Use of Echinops

In recent years, the goldenrod has become a species valued by gardening enthusiasts. Popular several decades ago and forgotten for many years, today it is making a comeback in a big way. It is an excellent plant for gravel beds and rockeries. It works well in rustic and naturalistic gardens. It creates wonderful compositions with coneflowers, rudbeckia, asters, achillea, eryngium, or lamb’s ear.

Echinops is also valued in floristry. It works perfectly in dry compositions. Dried flowers take on colors ranging from white to shades of blue and purple. They make a perfect duo with plants of similar colors – eryngium, delphiniums, or dyed thistles. Their original color also provides an excellent counterbalance to dried flowers in intense orange shades. For this reason, echinops is often combined with physalis or protea. The stems topped with spherical inflorescences can complement bouquets made of other species, including achillea, mimosa, helichrysum, and sanfordii. Echinops looks beautiful on its own. There is also nothing to prevent you from weaving it into wreaths used as decorations for windows, walls, or tables.

Dried Echinops at Blosmi

Blosmi offers a natural blue variety of Echinops. It is an extremely versatile species that provides a wealth of floral inspiration. The height of the stems ranges from 50 to 55 cm. Each bunch contains approximately 8-10 stems. All plants are carefully packaged and secured for transport.