Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'

brook thistle

2 litre pot £8.99 Buy
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A Chelsea favourite - this lover of cool, damp soil produces a tight cluster of ruby-red thistles, neatly encased in criss-crossed black scales, on tall branching airy stems

Val Bourne - Garden Writer

1 year guarantee

  • Position: full sun
  • Soil: moist, well-drained
  • Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
  • Flowering period: July and August
  • Hardiness: fully hardy

    Spectacular, deep crimson thistles appear on erect stems in July and August above spiny, dark green leaves. This handsome, towering thistle is a valuable addition to a summer garden and looks equally at home in a wildflower meadow, beside water or in groups among other perennials. Although it will tolerate dry conditions and partial shade, it does best in a moist, sunny border.

  • Garden care: Divide congested plants from autumn to spring and cut back to the ground in autumn to prevent self-seeding.

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    snowy woodrush

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    cranesbill

    Large, purple-blue flowers with reddish centres

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    oriental poppy

    Deep reddish-purple, pleated flowers

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    sage

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