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Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum - Plume Thistle

Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum
Plume Thistle

38 reviews
4,1/5
4 reviews
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7 reviews
3 reviews
1 reviews

The 2 young plants arrived in a sorry state. Not sure if they will take.

Stéphanie, 18/11/2023

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

This herbaceous perennial produces large round bracts topped with hairy magenta to crimson flowers. Easy to grow in heavy soil and close to a water source. This plant has a wild and colourful appearance, making it a stunning addition to any garden.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
1.20 m
Spread at maturity
60 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
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Best planting time February to March, September to October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time June to August
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Description

The Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' is a herbaceous perennial that offers spectacular flowering with large globular bracts topped with hairy magenta to crimson heads. It is a beautiful variety that combines the charm of a wild plant with the vibrant colours we love to have in the garden.

The Cirsiums are thistles from the Asteraceae family. The red colour of the heads gives a unique touch to this thistle; these flower heads can reach 3 cm (1in) in diameter and are grouped at the top of stems that can exceed 1 m (3ft) in height. The foliage is deciduous dark green; the laminae are widely divided, slightly pubescent and bordered by thorns.

This particularly hardy perennial tolerates very wet conditions and heavy, waterlogged soils even in winter; it simply requires a good sunny location. This tall and wild thistle adds a bit of spice to a somewhat tame meadow. Feel free to create bouquets of flowers, whether dry or fresh; this will prevent spontaneous sowing and promote late-season flowering. This variety is not invasive.

Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum - Plume Thistle in pictures

Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum - Plume Thistle (Flowering) Flowering
Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum - Plume Thistle (Foliage) Foliage
Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum - Plume Thistle (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour red
Flowering time June to August
Inflorescence Flower head
Flower size 3 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Semi-evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Foliage description Thorny

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.20 m
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Cirsium

Species

rivulare

Cultivar

Atropurpureum

Family

Asteraceae

Other common names

Plume Thistle

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

Plant the Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' in a sunny location in moist to wet soil. It prefers heavy soils that never dry out and is often found near water sources. Add organic soil improver at the time of planting as it thrives in rich soils. Well-rotted leaf compost will do the trick. Thistles tend to self-seed, so cut the flowers before they become fruit to limit their spread.

Planting period

Best planting time February to March, September to October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Pond edge
Type of use Edge of border
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil, never dry

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,1/5

Summer flowering perennials

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