Dipsacus laciniatus

RHS Plant Profile
cut-leaf teasel

Other common names

cut-leaf teasel

Annual Biennial

A branched, upright, hardy biennial, to around 2m in height with deeply cut bright green foliage and a hollow, prickly stem. Egg-shaped, bristly flowerheads produce up to 1,500 small white flowers, lasting only a day. These flowerheads then dry out to leave golden brown seedheads known as teasels which can be left as food for goldfinches or for winter interest

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or 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
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Dipsacus are erect biennials or perennials with simple or pinnate leaves and crowded heads of numerous small flowers in dense terminal capitula, the calyx teeth bristly
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moderately fertile soil, including heavy clay, in sun or partial shade. The flowerheads can be harvested for air-drying from mid to late summer, or left for birds over winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free