Overview
Carlina acaulis is a upright, clump-forming annual biennial in the genus Carlina, part of the Asteraceae family, with spiny, leathery leaves foliage. Carlina acaulis 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 acaulis, the stemless carline thistle, dwarf carline thistle, or silver thistle, is a perennial dicotyledonous flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to alpine regions of central and southern Europe. The specific name acaulis (Neo-Latin for 'without a stem', from Latin caulis 'stem' or 'stalk') and common names are descriptive of the manner in which its flower head rests directly upon a basal leaf rosette. The plant is named after Charlemagne who searched for a treatment against the plague. The plant the arrow hit was the Carlina acaulis, the roots of the plant were distributed among the population following which the plague diminished. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and wildlife gardens. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carlina acaulis
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 acaulis 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 acaulis
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to most pests
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to most diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Carlina acaulis?
Carlina acaulis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Carlina acaulis need?
Carlina acaulis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Carlina acaulis hardy in the UK?
Carlina acaulis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Carlina acaulis?
Seed, division.