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Herbaceous Perennial

Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

plume thistle 'Atropurpureum'

An upright perennial forming a clump of branching, leafy stems with spherical, deep red flower-heads 3cm across in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained soil in full sun; can tolerate some dryness and partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

If self-seeding is a problem then cut back hard after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be infected by powdery mildews

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