Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'

Description:

Deep crimson flowers atop long graceful stems held above slightly spikey architectural foliage, give this ornamental thistle real wow factor. Such an electric colour enhances most perennial schemes and looks amazing weaving through ornamental grasses. A great wildlife friendly plant, fabulous for pollinators with a long season of pollen and nectar producing flowers. The seedheads are also a great food source for some birds in winter. A rosette of foliage at the base of the plant appears very early in spring with flowers soon after, combing beautifully with Alliums. We find it does need plenty of room in the border, especially in fertile, moist, well drained soils and may need reducing in size every few year, but its worth it! May also self seed and will tolerate some shade.

Aftercare: Deadhead stems after they have flowered by cutting back to the base to encourage more.  Divide large clumps in spring or autumn to reduce the size of the plants as often as required. Mulch with a well rotted organic matter in autumn or spring.

Height & Spread:

1.2m x 1m

Flowering colour:

Crimson

Soil Moisture Requirements:

Moist but well drained

Resistance to Pests and Diseases:

Good

Flowering Period:

June - September

Soil PH:

Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
(Any)

Soil Type:

Deciduous:

Maintenance:

Scented:

Wildlife Friendly:

Plant Aspect: