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Herbaceous Perennial
Cicerbita plumieri
hairless blue sow thistle
A branching, upright perennial to 1.5m tall with large, variably-shaped, lobed and toothed leaves that clasp the stem and pale purple-blue flowerheads borne in loose, terminal clusters in summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Loam
Clay
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Pyrenees to Bulg.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back flowered stems to prevent self-seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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