About
Cirsium spinosissimum is a herbaceous perennial that can reach heights of up to 80 cm. It features rigid, narrow leaves with a glossy green finish, distinctly lobed and edged with spines. During late summer, the plant produces leafy flower stems that culminate in elongated, pale yellow bracts, which almost encase dense groupings of rounded flowers composed of delicate, pale yellow-brown florets.
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
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Thrives in well drained soils in full sun, though will tolerate moist soils if well drained. This species is very spiny and difficult to handle, and so is usually considered a weed
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prevent seeding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews