Echinops spinosissimus, commonly known as Spiny Globe Thistle, is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region, including Southern and Eastern Europe and North AfrIca. It thrives in a variety of habitats such as dry grasslands, arid shrublands, and rocky slopes, often in calcareous soils. This plant exhibits a moderate growth rate, reaching heights of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and spreading 1.5-2 feet (0.5-0.6 meters). The Spiny Globe Thistle is notable for its deeply lobed, spiny leaves and spherical, steel-blue flower heads that bloom in the summer and are highly attractive to pollinators. The flowers are quite showy, making it a striking addition to any garden setting.

The Spiny Globe Thistle is valued for its unique texture, blue flowers, and its ability to thrive in poor, dry soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. It is often used in rock gardens, as a border plant, or in wildflower meadows. This plant prefers full sun exposure and is tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they have good drainage. It requires low amounts of water once established, making it drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0