About
Cirsium eriophorum is a robust biennial that can reach heights of 1.5 meters. Its stems are covered in a dense layer of wool, while the elongated, rigid leaves are pinnately divided, featuring yellowish spines along the edges and a soft, white felt on their undersides. During late summer, this species displays spherical, woolly flower heads that bloom from the top, revealing clusters of tubular petals in a violet hue.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Thrives in full sun, particularly on chalk and limestone but will tolerate any well-drained soil
- Pruning
- Deadhead if seed is not required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews