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Herbaceous Perennial

Cirsium rivulare
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
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

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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