About
A clump-forming perennial to around 30cm high, with divided grey-green leaves with felted undersides. Upright stems bear rounded buds covered with papery brown scales, opening at the top to thistle-like flowers with fine purple florets in midsummer. Flowers dry to pale-coloured 'cones' in late summer.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun, protect from frost and winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division in spring, may self-seed in place in good conditions
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free