Echinops bannaticus ‘The Giant’ is a tall cultivar of the blue globe thistle, known for its dramatic presence in gardens. This perennial can grow up to 4–6 feet tall and spreads 2–3 feet wide, making it one of the tallest varieties of its kind. Its flowers are vibrant steel-blue spheres about 2 inches in diameter, blooming from midsummer into early fall. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a favorite in wildlife-friendly gardens.
 
The plant’s foliage consists of deeply lobed, spiny leaves that are gray-green on top and silvery beneath, adding visual interest even when not in bloom. With a deep taproot, ‘The Giant’ is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained soils, even in poor, sandy, or rocky conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it versatile for a variety of garden settings.
 
This cultivar requires minimal maintenance. It benefits from occasional deadheading to encourage further blooms and may need dividing every few years to maintain its vigor. The flowers are also popular in both fresh and dried arrangements
 
The seeds require a period of cold to break dormancy. Plant in fall for a spring emergence or simulate winter by cold stratifying in your refrigerator. Fold the seeds into a moist paper towel and seal in a ziploc bag and place in your refrigerator for 60 days and then place outdoors when temps are between 65 and 75.
 
Perennial zones 3-8
 
This is for 20 Seeds
 
We combine shipping on all seed orders, you pay one flat fee for as many seeds as you would like for no additional shipping. Orders over $35 for any combination of items ship for free to the US! 
 
All of our seeds are tested and guaranteed. Most of our seeds are fresh off of our own plants.