About
Carlina vulgaris is a biennial species characterized by its upright, clumping form. In its inaugural year, it develops a basal rosette, which is followed by a flowering stem in the second year. This plant typically grows to heights of 15 to 40 cm and displays spiny, oblong leaves that are green, often appearing slightly gray or silvery due to cottony hairs on the underside. The flower heads, measuring between 1.5 and 4 cm in diameter, can be found either alone or in small clusters. They showcase shiny, straw-colored bracts that have a metallic luster. Notably, the flowers open during dry conditions and close when humidity rises.
About the genus
This genus comprises a variety of flowering plants, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees. Characterized by their upright, spiny stems, these plants produce flowers resembling daisies, typically in shades of brown and gold.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Thrives in sunny, dry, well-drained, alkaline soils, especially on chalky grasslands, rocky slopes, and coastal areas
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free