Overview

Cicerbita is a perennial herb in the genus Cicerbita, part of the Asteraceae family. Cicerbita grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and loamy soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and naturalistic plantings. It is native to Southwestern Europe, Middle Asia, Western Asia, Middle Europe, Southeastern Europe, Caucasus, Eastern Europe and Northern Africa.

About

Cicerbita is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae, notable for its blue to purple flowerheads. It is native across southwestern and central Europe, the Caucasus, western and central Asia and northern Africa. The plant prefers moist, well-drained loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and suits positions in full sun or partial shade. Flowering takes place from July to September.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cicerbita

About the genus

Cicerbita is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to Asia and Europe. They are known commonly as blue sow thistles.

In the garden

Cicerbita belongs to the aster family and is a perennial herb native to regions from southwestern Europe through central Europe and the Caucasus to parts of western and central Asia and northern Africa. In its native range it is associated with moist, loamy soils and produces clusters of blue to purple florets, with occasional white or yellow forms. Choose a site that receives full sun or light shade and provides moist but well-drained loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Good drainage is important even where soil remains moist; avoid compacted or waterlogged ground. Establish plants where soil moisture can be kept steady rather than bone dry, and mulch to help retain moisture through drier spells. Use Cicerbita in wildlife-focused beds and naturalistic plantings where a summer display of cool-toned flowerheads is desirable. It suits mixed borders and schemes that favour moisture-retentive loam. Expect flowerheads from July to September that bear blue to purple florets, occasionally appearing white or yellow.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cicerbita

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, loamy

Soil pH

neutral, slightly acidic

Soil moisture

moist

Plant details

Cicerbita size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herb

Suggested uses

wildlife gardens, naturalistic plantings

Native to

Southwestern Europe, Middle Asia, Western Asia, Middle Europe, Southeastern Europe, Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Northern Africa

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cicerbita

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates partial shade; avoid waterlogging

Pruning

Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming

Propagation

seed, division

Frequently asked questions