Overview
Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' 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 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Liechtenstein, Romania, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
About
Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' is a cultivar of plume thistle, a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and tolerates a variety of soil types, including chalk, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. Native to parts of Eastern Europe, it is valued for its seasonal interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Cirsium is a genus of perennial and biennial flowering plants in the Asteraceae, one of several genera known commonly as thistles. They are more precisely known as plume thistles. These differ from other thistle genera in having a seed with a pappus of feathered hairs on their achenes.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cirsium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cirsium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cirsium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Liechtenstein, Romania, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun; tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand; benefits from division in spring or autumn to maintain vigor.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level after flowering to encourage fresh growth and maintain plant health.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun; tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand; benefits from division in spring or autumn to maintain vigor.
Where is the best place to plant Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'?
Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' need?
Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'?
Cut back to ground level after flowering to encourage fresh growth and maintain plant health.
How big does Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' grow?
Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' hardy in the UK?
Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Cirsium genus
Browse all Cirsium →
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