Cirsium eriophorum

RHS Plant Profile
woolly thistle
woolly thistle visionspictures.com

Other common names

friar's crown, ysgallen benwlanog

Synonyms

Carduus eriophorus

Annual Biennial

A tall biennial, up to 1.5m high, with woolly stems and long, stiff, pinnately divided leaves, edged with yellowish spines and with white felted undersides. In late summer, produces globe-shaped, woolly white flowerheads that open from the top to show clusters of tubular, violet-coloured petals

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in full sun, particularly on chalk and limestone but will tolerate any well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

Deadhead if seed is not required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews