An evergreen perennial forming rosettes of narrow, strap-like, mid-green leaves with a central stripe, and flattened spines along the margins. Sturdy upright stems to 1.5m tall have umbels of spiny, blackish flowers, each with a collar of silvery bracts on short side stems, in mid to late summer
1-1.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in dry, well-drained poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun, with protection from winter wet
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe; insert root cuttings in late winter; propagate by division during spring, although they may be slow to re-establish
Tidy plants after flowering; ideal for flower arranging - cut the stems before the flowers are fully open
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
May be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews