About
Cirsium arachnoideum is a herbaceous perennial that typically reaches heights of approximately 80 cm. It features upright, somewhat angular stems and elongated, spiny leaves that are divided almost to their base. During mid to late summer, it bears thistle-like flower heads adorned with densely arranged spiny bracts that have web-like hairs along the edges, revealing delicate purple florets as they open. After flowering, the plant develops fluffy seed heads.
About the genus
Cirsium includes both biennial and perennial species characterized by their spiny foliage and distinctive thistle-like flower heads.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Thrives in full sun in any moist but well-drained soil
- Pruning
- Deadhead if seed is not required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, or by division between autumn and spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews