Overview
Cirsium rivulare is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Cirsium, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Cirsium rivulare grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH.
About
Cirsium rivulare is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to eastern and western Europe, adventive in Britain, and naturalised in Sweden and Belgium. Growing to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall, this erect herbaceous perennial is a clump-forming thistle, with narrow grey-green prickly leaves and small purple globular flowerheads in early to midsummer. The plant prefers moist conditions but can tolerate some dryness. The cultivar Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum', with deep crimson flowers, has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cirsium rivulare
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cirsium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
Plant details
Cirsium rivulare size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cirsium rivulare?
Cirsium rivulare prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cirsium rivulare need?
Cirsium rivulare is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay and loam. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Cirsium rivulare grow?
Cirsium rivulare reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
More in the Cirsium genus
Browse all Cirsium →
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