Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum (Plume Thistle)

A very desirable garden plant, Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum', commonly known as Plume Thistle, is a tall, branching, upright perennial exhibiting strong, leafless stems with pincushion-like, deep crimson flowers, up to 1 in wide (3 cm), atop a large basal rosette of soft green leaves. A magnet for bees and birds!

• Blooming from mid-summer to late summer, Plume Thistle is a statuesque plant that slowly grows in clumps, up to 4 ft. tall (120 cm), and spreads 2 ft. (60 cm).
• Easy to grow, Plume Thistle thrives in moist and well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Tends to suffer from mildew if it gets too dry.
• Lovely in beds, borders, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas. Being 'see through, you may plant it at the front or at the back of the border. This plant looks stunning with poppies, especially Papaver orientale 'Patty's Plum' or dark Astrantias. Good as cut flowers too!
• Cut back spent flowers to promote new flowering and potentially extend its blooming season until frost.