Cirsium sp.

[Bog Garden, Howick Hall, Northumberland]

Asteraceae: An interesting and unusual species of thistle probably native to China, as with everything in the bog garden at Howick nothing is labelled. Plants to 60cm, very spiny and covered with white cobwebby hairs. The large flower heads hang down, and do not fully opening when in flower, black and white flowers. The flower heads only opening fully to release the seeds.

[Notes on the Bog Garden at Howick Hall: It has been planted with all the herbaceous plants grown from seed collected on expeditions abroad for the arboretum; there are a lot from China, but also from India, North America, New Zealand, Japan and Europe. Nothing is labelled!]

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds in early spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2-8 weeks at 20°C. I have found thistle seeds germinate best after a short cold spell. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. A good bee and butterfly plant.

HARVESTED: 2025

APPROX. 20 SEEDS