Cirsium rivulare Frosted Magic ('Lowcir'PBR)

RHS Plant Profile
plume thistle [Frosted Magic]
plume thistle [Frosted Magic] RHS

Synonyms

Cirsium rivulare 'Lowcir'PBR
Cirsium 'Frosted Magic'

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-formiing perennial up to 1.2m high with a basal rosette of green leaves and flowering stems of pincushion-like white flowerheads, throughout the summer if deadheaded; the flowers are good for pollinators, and the seedheads may provide food for finches

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads
Name Status
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in moist but well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by division from autumn to spring or by root cuttings; propagation for resale is illegal without a licence from the breeder

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Prairie planting
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required except deadheading to prolong the flowering season

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews