Cirsium dissectum

meadow thistle
A clump-forming native perennial of damp meadows, about 60-80cm tall, with mostly basal, mid-green leaves, white beneath, with soft spiny margins, and downy ridged stems bearing flowerheads of reddish-purple to 3cm long with spine tipped, downy bracts, flowering from early to late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
- W Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Often grown as a wildflower in moist, grassy habitats and best grown in an open situation in moist but well-drained alkaline soil with full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division of the rhizomes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
If self-seeding is a problem then cut back hard after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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