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Onopordum acanthium

This grand native thistle can stand upwards of 8ft once fully developed, topped with a candelabra of mauve flowers that bees will adore.
1

30 seeds

5 jumbo seedlings (200906-SP05)

10 jumbo seedlings (200906-SP10)

1 x 9cm pot (511917-1)

3 x 9cm pots (511917-3)

DELIVERY INFORMATION
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sow Under Cover
Direct Sow
Flowers/ Harvest

Details:

Type
Biennial or Short-lived Perennial
Position
Border (Back)
Soil
Neutral - Alkaline
Flowers
June - August
Height
3.0m (10ft)
Group/Species
acanthium
Common name
Scotch Cotton Thistle
Moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
Full Sun
Spread
1.2m (4ft)
Cultivation
Sow in autumn or spring directly into the ground or in trays placed in a cold frame, unheated greenhouse or sheltered corner of the garden. Keep moist. Prick out seedlings when large enough. Plant into final positions in spring or autumn.

Description

A superb, statuesque feature plant. This grand native thistle can stand upwards of 8ft once fully developed. The biennial will form a dense rosette in its maiden year, felted with white down and spiny foliage. In the second year, the towering flower stem erupts from a base of large, silver, acanthus-like leaves, topped with a candelabra of mauve flowers that bees will adore.

Care Tips

Will self-seed freely and can be transplanted elsewhere in the garden. Requires a sturdy stake or it will topple in strong winds.