focal · easy · mid
Thistle
Echinops · aka globe thistle, Scottish thistle
Globe thistle produces perfect spherical heads in metallic silver-blue — one of the most sculpturally distinctive cut flowers available. Dries in the vase and holds its colour indefinitely. Highly spiny; always handle in gloves. The Scottish national flower and a Highland wedding staple.
At a glance
| Family | Asteraceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Europe, Asia; commercially grown Netherlands, Colombia |
| Peak season | July, August |
| Availability | June to September |
| Stem length | 50–90 cm |
| Vase life | 10–21 days |
| Colors | blue, silver-blue, purple |
| Price tier | mid |
Conditioning
Cut on a diagonal, fresh water. Wear gloves — spines.
Care in the vase
- •SPINES — always handle in gloves
- •Perfect metallic-blue globe heads — sculptural
- •Dries perfectly, holds colour for years
- •One of the very few blue cut flowers
Design role & symbolism
Symbolismindependence, protection, resilience
Occasionseditorial, modern wedding, dried arrangements
Substituteseryngium, delphinium
blueeditorialdriedmoody
