Cirsium acaule
dwarf thistle
A low-growing perennial, with a spreading rosette of stiff, spiny, divided glossy green leaves. In summer, produces thistle-like flowers that are usually solitary and stemless, with clusters of tubular, violet-coloured petals, and are followed by fluffy white seed heads
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe to C Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in full sun, particularly on chalk and limestone but will tolerate any well-drained soil; often found on grazing sward where it benefits from shorter grass coverage
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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