About

Cirsium acaule is a low perennial plant characterized by a rosette of rigid, spiny leaves that are glossy and green. During the summer months, it produces thistle-like blooms, typically appearing as solitary flowers without stems. These flowers feature clusters of tubular petals in a violet hue, which later develop into fluffy white seed heads.

About the genus

Cirsium includes both biennial and perennial species characterized by their spiny foliage and distinctive thistle-like flower heads.

Plant details

Height
Up to 10 cm
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Native to
Europe to C Asia

Care notes

Cultivation
Thrives in full sun, particularly on chalk and limestone but will tolerate any well-drained soil; often found on grazing sward where it benefits from shorter grass coverage
Pruning
Deadhead if seed is not required
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews