Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'

Description: An interesting herbaceous perennial which produces many heads of small deep purple red pin cushion flowers in June - July which are loved by wildlife.

The mass of thin thistle like flower heads look best as a drift of several plants or a well developed clump.

Grey green deeply cut leaves.

Climate/Position: Sun or partial shade.

Height/Spread: Flower spikes 1.2m tall, spreading clump of rhizomes(underground stems) but not invasive.

Soil Requirements: Moist soils lower pH and sandy texture is preferred.

Pruning: Seed heads can be left through the autumn for wildlife or can be cut back in October for a clean border as required.

Special Requirements: Best if left to develop a clump.

'Atropurpureum' means very purple referring to the flowers. For effective display plant near to a purple foliage plants.