Overview
Carthamus arborescens is a spreading branched annual biennial in the genus Carthamus, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Carthamus arborescens grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Carthamus arborescens is a spreading branched cultivar within the Carthamus genus, which comprises both annual and perennial species known for their pinnately lobed, spiny-edged leaves. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and is suited to south- or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers well-drained loam or sandy soils across a range of pH levels, from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is best grown in fertile, moist soil and is typically propagated by seed sown in gentle heat during spring. Its summer and autumn flower heads resemble thistles and are ideal for cottage gardens, flower borders, and cut flowers.
About the genus
The genus Carthamus, the distaff thistles, includes plants in the family Asteraceae. The group is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The flower has been used since ancient times in the Philippines, which it has been called kasubha by the Tagalog people.
Wikipedia contributors, "Carthamus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carthamus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Carthamus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Carthamus arborescens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carthamus arborescens
- Propagation
- Seed sown in gentle heat from early to late spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Carthamus arborescens?
Carthamus arborescens prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carthamus arborescens need?
Carthamus arborescens grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Carthamus arborescens hardy in the UK?
Carthamus arborescens 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 Carthamus arborescens?
Seed sown in gentle heat from early to late spring.