How to prune echinops bannaticus 'taplow blue'

Deadhead as globes fade in summer; cut back in late autumn or early spring. Cut spent stems back to a lower leaf or side shoot with sharp secateurs. In autumn, shear the whole clump to near ground level.

Deadhead regularly through summer; one hard cut-back per year. Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' is a vigorous globe thistle that self-seeds readily. Deadhead fading globes promptly to limit spread while preserving the plant's long season. Leaving some heads provides winter bird food. Cut all stems hard to the ground in late autumn or early spring.

Cut spent stems back to a lower leaf or side shoot with sharp secateurs. In autumn, shear the whole clump to near ground level.