Rhaponticum coniferum
A clump-forming perennial to around 30cm high, with divided grey-green leaves with felted undersides. Upright stems bear rounded buds covered with papery brown scales, opening at the top to thistle-like flowers with fine purple florets in midsummer. Flowers dry to pale-coloured 'cones' in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A genus of flowering perennials, native to Siberian alpine meadows with green foliage and pink, thistle-like flowerheads
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun, protect from frost and winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division in spring, may self-seed in place in good conditions
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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