I agree with globe thistle, I have two species types, one similar to yours and another more refined one with attractive deeply cut foliage with a beautiful silver / white reverse. These plants add very nice color and texture and really aren't all that prickly, I wouldn't be without them in my garden.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Mystery solved! Yes, it does look like Globe Thistle to me! I really appreciate it.

Strange though, that they planted this ins a part shade location, as this is really a full sun plant? Also, they planted these near some Pee Gee hydrangeas.... I wonder how good it will look again the hydrangeas?

Anyway, what would be good companion plants for this, I wonder?

Thank you again!

Keep and eye on it...If it doesn't develop a flower like a globe thistle, make sure to yank it out before it goes to seed.

I sure will, Donna! So far, I don't think that it's a weed because it's growing so slowly!!! LOL! But I sure will watch it closely...

I think the blue blooms of the globe thistle and the texture of the foliage would make for a good companion along with your hydrangea. My thistles are all in full sun where they perform very well.