Description

Cirsium heterophyllum

Common name: Melancholy Thistle

Synonym: Cirsium helenioides

Supplied as bare root perennial. You will receive enough roots for at least 3 plants

The melancholy thistle, Cirsium heterophyllum, was once believed to cure depression.
This is the original Scottish Thistle! It is, in fact, not prickly at all.

A clump-forming, spreading perennial up to 1.2m tall.

The lance-shaped, green leaves have softly-spiny edges and white-felted undersides.

In late summer, purple-pink spherical flower heads 3-5cm across are borne on erect, woolly-textured stems.

A spineless herb in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is native to Europe and western Asia, where it grows in upland meadows, grasslands, road verges and open woodland.

It has broader leaves, larger flowers and a more spreading habit than its close relative Cirsium rivulare.

Works well in the ornamental border as well as more natural settings.

Superb for wild gardens and prairie planting.

A magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

The seeds also provide winter food for birds.

Position: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Soil: moist but well-drained

Height: up to 1.2 metres

Flowers: July, August.