Scottish Thistle

Large, pale purple or occasionally white, thistle-like flowerheads from July to September and spiny-toothed, grey-green leaves. This biennial, native Scotch thistle is perfect for a sunny gravel or wildlife garden. A magnificent architectural plant, the ripening seedheads act as a magnet for goldfinches.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: July to August Flower colour: pale purple or white (in the second year)Other features: the seedheads are highly attractive to goldfinches; self-seeds freelyHardiness: fully hardy biennialGarden care: Use beer traps or environmentally- friendly slug pellets to protect the tender young foliage against damage from slugs or snails
More Information