Cirsium japonicum
Japanese thistle
A clump-forming biennial or short-lived perennial, up to 2m high, with deeply lobed to pinnately divided, spiny dark green leaves. In late summer to early autumn, produces tall, branching stems bearing thistle-like flowers, with tubular pink or lilac purple petals
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in moist soil in full sun, but will tolerate a range of soils and positions
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Deadhead if seed is not required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
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