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Herbaceous Perennial

Cirsium rivulare
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A clump-forming perennial, to around 1.2m high, with simple, lobed or pinnately divided, spiny deep green leaves with hairy undersides. In early to mid summer, produces rounded, thistle-like flowers, with tubular reddish-purple petals

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C & SW Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in full sun, particularly in damp, acidic soil but will tolerate a range of soils and positions

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or by division between autumn and spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Deadhead if seed is not required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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