Cirsium oleraceum
cabbage thistle
A clump-forming perennial up to 1.2m tall. The deeply lobed, mid-green leaves have softly-spiny edges. In late summer and early autumn produces terminal clusters of creamy, thistle flowers, surrounded by large green bracts. Has been used as a vegetable
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Cream | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, alkaline or neutral soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
If self-seeding is a problem then cut back hard after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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