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Herbaceous Perennial

Cirsium rivulare Frosted Magic ('Lowcir'PBR)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

plume thistle [Frosted Magic]

A clump-formiing perennial up to 1.2m high with a basal rosette of green leaves and flowering stems of pincushion-like white flowerheads, throughout the summer if deadheaded; the flowers are good for pollinators, and the seedheads may provide food for finches

Synonyms
Cirsium rivulare 'Lowcir'PBR
Cirsium 'Frosted Magic'
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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
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green White Green
Autumn Green Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads

Name status

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in moist but well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by division from autumn to spring or by root cuttings; propagation for resale is illegal without a licence from the breeder

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Prairie planting
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required except deadheading to prolong the flowering season

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews

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