About
Cirsium japonicum is a clump-forming biennial or short-lived perennial that can grow as tall as 2 meters. It features deeply lobed, spiny leaves that are dark green in color. From late summer to early autumn, this plant produces upright, branching stems topped with thistle-like flowers that have tubular petals in shades of pink or lilac purple.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Thrives in moist soil in full sun, but will tolerate a range of soils and positions
- Pruning
- Deadhead if seed is not required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews