Cirsium rivulare
A clump-forming perennial, to around 1.2m high, with simple, lobed or pinnately divided, spiny deep green leaves with hairy undersides. In early to mid summer, produces rounded, thistle-like flowers, with tubular reddish-purple petals
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–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
- C & SW Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in full sun, particularly in damp, acidic soil but will tolerate a range of soils and positions
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by division between autumn and spring
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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