About
This strongly upright biennial, with lime green, prickly foliage and branching, prickly stems. fullonum), but distinguished by the hooked bristles on the seed heads. sativus is a close relation of the well-known teasel (D. The seed heads dry naturally and can be used for cutting, or left for garden display where they are also popular with birds, especially goldfinches. Bristly, cylindrical flowerheads carry small white flowers in summer.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
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 usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationDoes best in deep, fertile soil in full sun, but tolerant of poorer soil and some shade
PruningCut down as flowers die off if self-seeding is a problem
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in situ in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free