About
Arctium minus is an upright, branching plant that can reach a height of 1.5 meters. It features a rosette of substantial green leaves with undulating edges. During the summer months, clusters of purplish flowerheads appear on the leafy main stems. The distinctive brown, spiny seedheads remain attached throughout the winter, adding interest to the landscape.
About the genus
Arctium consists of sturdy biennials with a deep taproot, featuring broad, fuzzy leaves and either solitary or grouped flower heads that resemble thistles. These flowers develop into burr-like fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Sand, Loam, Clay, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Europe, N. Africa
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Ideally grow in moist soil in full sun or partial shade. It will tolerate a wide range of soils
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed; sow in situ in the autumn or early spring. Alternatively, sow in a tray and transplant before the tap-root develops. To improve germination pre- soak or scarify the seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free