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Herbaceous Perennial

Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

plume thistle 'Atropurpureum'

An upright perennial forming a clump of branching, leafy stems with spherical, deep red flower-heads 3cm across in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

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

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained soil in full sun; can tolerate some dryness and partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

If self-seeding is a problem then cut back hard after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be infected by powdery mildews

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