Cirsium spinosissimum
A herbaceous perennial to 80cm high, with stiff, narrow, slightly glossy green leaves that are sharply lobed and spiny. In late summer, leafy flower stems bear long, pale yellow spiny bracts at the tips, almost enclosing the tight clusters of rounded flowers with fine, pale yellow-brown florets
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 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 | Yellow Brown | Green Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Bushy
- Genus
Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in well drained soils in full sun, though will tolerate moist soils if well drained. This species is very spiny and difficult to handle, and so is usually considered a weed
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Deadhead to prevent seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
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