About
A clump-forming perennial to around 1.2m high, with narrowly ovate, lobed and toothed green leaves up to 45cm long, with silvery undersides. Stiff, upright stems bear rounded, scaly buds that open to thistle-like flowers with masses of fine purple-pink florets in midsummer.
About the genus
A genus of flowering perennials, native to Siberian alpine meadows with green foliage and pink, thistle-like flowerheads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toPyrenees (France, Spain)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningCan be cut back after flowering, or left to provide winter interest
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free