About

Cirsium palustre is a biennial thistle native to its region, growing up to approximately 1.5 meters tall. This plant thrives in damp soil conditions. Its robust, spiny, and hairy stem supports dark green leaves with spiny margins. During the summer months, it produces clusters of thistle flower heads that are dark 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
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect
North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Annual Biennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native to
N & C Eur., NE US

Care notes

Cultivation
Prefers a moist, acidic soil in full sun or partial shade
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free