Dipsacus pilosus
small teasel
A biennial, to 1.2-1.5m tall, with erect, sparsely-prickly stems. Basal leaves appear in the first year; in the second year it produces globose flowerheads of whitish flowers from late summer to early autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown | Brown | ||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers moister soils and partial shade. The flowerheads can be harvested for air-drying from mid to late summer, or left for birds over winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed in situ in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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