About
Carduus crispus, commonly known as the welted thistle, is a biennial plant that can grow to a height of 1.5 meters. It features lobed leaves and stems that are both spiny and winged, with a fuzzy texture. The upper portions of the stems support clusters of purple flowers, which bloom from June to August and are surrounded by hairy bracts.
About the genus
This genus comprises annual or biennial flowering plants commonly referred to as 'plumeless thistles.' Originating from Eurasia and Africa, several species are considered problematic for agricultural and horticultural settings. The plants feature upright stems that are hairy and spiny, along with lobed leaves that have toothed edges. Flowering heads are rounded and bristle-covered, appearing in white, pink, or purple hues.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, N Asia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Occurs naturally in w wide range of soils in scrub, woodland glades and verges
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free