2000 ASCFG Dried Cut Flower of the Year
The Dried Cut Flower of the Year 2000 is Echinops ritro, also know as the globe thistle. The metallic blue, ball-shaped flowers are typically dried but can also be used fresh. This long lived perennial (10+ years) is cold hardy to Zone 4 but also tolerates heat well with a Heat-Zone rating of 3-9. Globe thistles are adapted to a wide variety of soils and drought tolerant. Plants are seed-propagated, will flower the second year after planting, and can be cut back after harvest. Plants should be allowed to remain in the ground for many years and will become more productive each year. Globe thistle is virtually insect and disease-free but can occasionally host European corn borers in corn producing areas. Plant height is 2 2 to 4 feet. Foliage is thistle-like with soft spines. Spines harden and stems become more difficult to handle when dried. Flowers for drying are harvested when well-colored but before flowers are apparent. For fresh cut, harvest when 1/3 of the florets are flowering. Pollen will show if harvested when more than 1/3 of the florets are open. Vase-life of fresh cuts is 7-10 days without preservatives, longer with floral preservatives. Cultivars are available which vary slightly in flower color, vigor, and foliage color.
Contact ASCFG at 440-774-2887 or www.ascfg.org for more information.