About
Cirsium purpuratum is a herbaceous perennial that typically reaches heights of up to 1 meter. Its leaves are lobed, spiny, and dark green, measuring up to 70 centimeters in length at the base and gradually reducing in size along the stems. In late summer, it showcases sizable, drooping flower heads adorned with recurved, spiny bracts and clusters of delicate purple-pink florets. 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
- 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
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Japan (C Honshu)
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Thrives in well-drained soil in full sun; a good option for sandy slopes or gravel or scree gardens
- Pruning
- Deadhead if seed is not required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, or by division in autumn or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews