About
An upright perennial forming a clump of branching, leafy stems with spherical, deep red flower-heads 3cm across in summer.
About the genus
Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moist but well-drained soil in full sun; can tolerate some dryness and partial shade
PruningIf self-seeding is a problem then cut back hard after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews