Rhaponticum centaureoides
great thistle
A clump-forming perennial to around 1.2m high, with narrowly ovate, lobed and toothed green leaves up to 45cm long, with silvery undersides. Stiff, upright stems bear rounded, scaly buds that open to thistle-like flowers with masses of fine purple-pink florets in midsummer
Synonyms
Centaurea 'Pulchra Major'Stemmacantha centaureoides
see moreLeuzea centaureoides
Cnicus centauroides
Centaurea cynaroides Link
Stemmacantha cynaroides Cass.
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Genus
A genus of flowering perennials, native to Siberian alpine meadows with green foliage and pink, thistle-like flowerheads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Pyrenees (France, Spain)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Can be cut back after flowering, or left to provide winter interest
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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