Advertisement

Position

Sun Exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Middle

Soil

Succeeds on poor soil:
Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

The melancholy thistle, Cirsium heterophyllum, was once believed to cure depression. It has broader leaves, larger flowers and a more spreading habit than its close relative Cirsium rivulare. It works well in the ornamental border as well as more natural settings. Like all thistles, it's a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Its seeds provide winter food for birds.

Grow Cirsium heterophyllum in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Divide clumps between autumn and spring every few years.

Advertisement

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Divideyesyesyesyesyesyes
Pruneyesyesyes

Cirsium ‘Heterophyllum’ and wildlife

Cirsium ‘Heterophyllum’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Cirsium ‘Heterophyllum’ poisonous?

Cirsium ‘Heterophyllum’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement