Overview

Dipsacus chinensis is a biennial herbaceous in the genus Dipsacus, part of the Caprifoliaceae family. Dipsacus chinensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, naturalistic plantings and dried flower arrangements. It is native to China South-Central and Tibet.

About

Dipsacus chinensis is a tall herbaceous teasel in the genus Dipsacus (family Caprifoliaceae) that produces dense, bract‑fringed flowerheads. It is a biennial forming flowering stems in its second year and typically reaches over a metre in height. Flowerheads appear from July to September and may be purple, dark pink, lavender or white. The stems and seedheads are spiny and were historically used in the textile trade to raise the nap on woollen cloth.

About the genus

Dipsacus is a genus of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. The members of this genus are known as teasel. The genus includes about 15 species of tall herbaceous biennial plants growing to 1–2.5 metres (3.3–8.2 ft) tall.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dipsacus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dipsacus

In the garden

As a member of the genus Dipsacus and the Caprifoliaceae family, Dipsacus chinensis behaves as a tall herbaceous biennial. Plants commonly produce their terminal flowerheads in the second year and carry distinctive, spiny bracts surrounding the ovoid inflorescences. Flowering takes place from July to September, with individual heads showing shades of purple, dark pink, lavender or white. Allow sufficient space for stems that commonly reach over a metre; place the plant where the upright heads are visible from paths or the back of a mixed border. Keep intact dried heads through winter if you want seed or winter architectural interest; alternatively cut them once the seeds have dispersed. The spiny structure of the flowerhead is a noteworthy feature to handle with care when deadheading or moving plants. Dipsacus chinensis suits areas where tall biennial silhouettes are acceptable and where the dried heads can be left or used as hand‑held specimens. Historically the dried heads were used to raise the nap on woollen cloth, which also makes them a useful source of natural craft material in the garden.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dipsacus

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, loamy, sandy, clay

Soil pH

neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

Exposure

exposed, sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Dipsacus chinensis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

biennial herbaceous

Suggested uses

wildlife gardens, naturalistic plantings, dried flower arrangements

Native to

China South-Central, Tibet

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dipsacus chinensis

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Pruning

Cut back dead stems after flowering or in late winter to encourage new growth.

Propagation

Seed sown in autumn or spring; self-seeds readily.

Frequently asked questions