Overview
Onopordum acanthium is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Onopordum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Onopordum acanthium grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Onopordum acanthium is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and Western Asia from the Iberian Peninsula east to Kazakhstan, and north to central Scandinavia, and widely naturalised elsewhere, with especially large populations present in the United States and Australia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Onopordum acanthium
About the genus
Onopordum, or cottonthistle, is a genus of plants in the tribe Cardueae within the family Asteraceae. They are native to southern Europe, northern Africa, the Canary Islands, the Caucasus, and southwest and central Asia. They grow on disturbed land, roadsides, arable land and pastures.
Wikipedia contributors, "Onopordum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Onopordum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Onopordum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Onopordum acanthium size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Onopordum acanthium
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in a cold frame, or in situ in autumn or spring
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Onopordum acanthium?
Onopordum acanthium prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Onopordum acanthium need?
Onopordum acanthium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Onopordum acanthium hardy in the UK?
Onopordum acanthium has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Onopordum acanthium?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame, or in situ in autumn or spring.