Overview

Carlina is a upright, clump-forming annual biennial in the genus Carlina, part of the Asteraceae family, with spiny, leathery leaves foliage. Carlina grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and wildlife gardens.

About

Carlina, commonly known as carline thistle, is a genus of upright, clump-forming plants within the Asteraceae family. These plants feature spiny, leathery leaves and produce daisy-like flowers in shades of brown and gold. Suited to full sun and a south-facing, sheltered aspect, Carlina thrives in fertile, well-drained loam with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is ideal for borders, rock gardens, and wildlife gardens, offering interest through spring and summer. Propagation is by seed or division.

About the genus

Carlina is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It is distributed from Madeira and the Canary Islands across Europe and northern Africa to Siberia and northwestern China.

Wikipedia contributors, "Carlina", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carlina

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Carlina

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Carlina size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Annual Biennial

Habit

Upright, clump-forming

Foliage

Spiny, leathery leaves

Suggested uses

Borders, rock gardens, wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Carlina

Propagation

Seed, division

Pest resistance

Resistant to most pests

Disease resistance

Resistant to most diseases

Frequently asked questions