About
Carduus nutans is a biennial plant characterized by its erect growth habit and fuzzy stems. Its leaves are spiny, green, and divided, contributing to its distinctive appearance. From June to August, the plant produces sizable, purple, pendulous flower heads measuring approximately 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter. These flowers lack ray florets and are encircled by a ring of pink 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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Eurasia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Occurs naturally in dry, grassy places including verges and dunes, especially on calcareous soils
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free