About
Dipsacus fullonum, the common teasel, is a tall, branched biennial to 3 m with prickly stems, vivid-green foliage and cylindrical, bristly flowerheads to 6 cm long bearing a band of tiny, blue flowers that progresses up and down the head. The rigid, persistent seed-heads stand through winter and are eagerly visited by goldfinches. A dramatic architectural biennial for a wild or naturalistic garden.
About the genus
Dipsacus, the teasels, are erect biennials or perennials with prickly stems, simple or pinnate leaves and cylindrical or rounded, densely packed heads of small flowers topped with spiny bracts. Dramatic architectural plants for naturalistic and wildlife gardens, with seed-heads beloved by goldfinches.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile soil, including heavy clay, in sun or partial shade. The flowerheads can be harvested for air-drying from mid to late summer, or left for birds over winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in situ in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free