About
A biennial, to 1.2-1.5m tall, with erect, sparsely-prickly stems. Basal leaves appear in the first year; in the second year it produces globose flowerheads of whitish flowers from late summer to early autumn.
About the genus
Dipsacus are erect biennials or perennials with simple or pinnate leaves and crowded heads of numerous small flowers in dense terminal capitula, the calyx teeth bristly
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationPrefers moister soils and 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