Cirsium spinosissimum

Synonyms

Cnicus spinosissimus

Herbaceous Perennial

A herbaceous perennial to 80cm high, with stiff, narrow, slightly glossy green leaves that are sharply lobed and spiny. In late summer, leafy flower stems bear long, pale yellow spiny bracts at the tips, almost enclosing the tight clusters of rounded flowers with fine, pale yellow-brown florets

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk 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
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Bushy
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 well drained soils in full sun, though will tolerate moist soils if well drained. This species is very spiny and difficult to handle, and so is usually considered a weed

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

Deadhead to prevent seeding

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews