Overview

Cirsium tuberosum is a clump forming, upright perennial herb in the genus Cirsium, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Cirsium tuberosum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows, cottage and informal gardens, flower borders and beds and cut flowers. It is native to France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

About

Cirsium tuberosum is a clump-forming, upright cultivar of the Cirsium genus, which belongs to the Asteraceae family. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with soil pH ranging from acid to alkaline. It prefers moist but well-drained conditions and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered locations with any aspect. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows, cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, and cut flowers. Propagation is by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring or autumn.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Cirsium tuberosum

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 4.0Cirsium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cirsium

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Cirsium tuberosum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Perennial herb
Habit
Clump forming, Upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.6 m
Suggested uses
Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadows, Cottage and informal gardens, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
Native to
France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Spain, Switzerland

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cirsium tuberosum

Propagation
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring or autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free, May be susceptible to powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Cirsium tuberosum?

Cirsium tuberosum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Cirsium tuberosum need?

Cirsium tuberosum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Cirsium tuberosum grow?

Cirsium tuberosum reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Cirsium tuberosum hardy in the UK?

Cirsium tuberosum 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 tuberosum?

Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring or autumn.

More in the Cirsium genus

Browse all Cirsium