Globe Thistle

[AlanLichty]

Our garden has undergone quite a number of revisions this year and one of the casualties was a couple of Globe Thistles (Echinops). We did propagate quite a few new ones that will be in full swing next summer but for this year we don't have blooms. This plant is one of my favorites for attracting pollinators since they seem to be attracted to the blooms almost as if it were some kind of drug. Wasps, bees, and bumble bees who normally avoid each other just ignore everything to get at the blooms and will almost stumble over each other in their frenzy. This is a capture from a couple of years ago on one of the blooms.

C&C always welcome.

 

[Trent Watts]

Nice image showing the pollinator attraction. I presume these are not as invasive as many of the thistles in my garden. Or do you just do a lot of weeding.

 

[AlanLichty]

Nice image showing the pollinator attraction. I presume these are not as invasive as many of the thistles in my garden. Or do you just do a lot of weeding.

Thanks Trent - these plants haven't been invasive in our garden at all. I know of many types of thistles that are just the opposite but to these specific ones.

 

[JimFox]

The bees are going crazy over this flower! Good one Alan!

 

[AlanLichty]

The bees are going crazy over this flower! Good one Alan!

Thanks Jim - not sure exactly what these plants do but they are like super magnets for the pollinators when they bloom.

 

[Trent Watts]

Thanks Trent - these plants haven't been invasive in our garden at all. I know of many types of thistles that are just the opposite but to these specific ones.

Wow...Talk about win-win...Beautiful flower, pollinator friendly and not-invasive.

 

[AlanLichty]

Wow...Talk about win-win...Beautiful flower, pollinator friendly and not-invasive.

Yup