Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’

Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’ or Plume Thistle ‘Atropurpureum’ is a perennial. I remember when Thistles were considered wildflowers and weeds in the garden but in recent years with the introduction of more and more wildflowers in the gardens, it has become popular to cultivate thistles. This plant is part of the Asteraceae family of plants.

Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’ produces purplish maroon color flowers in the summer months rather tall adding a lot of interest to borders. Plant it in the sun, moist but well-drained soil. Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’ grows to about 5 feet or 1.5m tall. Please keep in mind like any wildflower it will self-seed so you might want to deadhead the flowers. It does tolerate partial shade and dryness. It is mostly pest-free but it is susceptible to powdery mildew.