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Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’ (Plume Thistle)

Plume Thistle, Brook Thistle

Cirsium Rivulare 'Atropurpureum' , Plume Thistle, Brook Thistle, perennial plant, perennial plants, red flowers, magenta flowers
Cirsium Rivulare 'Atropurpureum' , Plume Thistle, Brook Thistle, perennial plant, perennial plants, red flowers, magenta flowers

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.

 

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Cirsium
Common names Thistle
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cirsium acaule (Stemless Thistle)
Cirsium horridulum (Bull Thistle)
Cirsium altissimum (Tall Thistle)
Cirsium occidentale (Cobwebby Thistle)
Cirsium muticum (Swamp Thistle)
Cirsium discolor (Field Thistle)

Recommended Companion Plants

Digitalis purpurea (Common Foxglove)
Geranium himalayense (Lilac Cranesbill)
Anchusa azurea (Italian Bugloss)
Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosetrife)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ (Sage)
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Melissa Lilac’ (Lavender)
Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Catmint)
Astrantia major ‘Roma’ (Great Masterwort)
Agastache ‘Black Adder’ (Giant Hyssop)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)
Allium cristophii (Star of Persia)
Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’ (Ornamental Onion)
Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender)
Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris)
Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A Pretty Border Idea with Alliums and Persicaria
A Prairie Planting Idea with Easy Care Annuals and Perennials
A Fabulous Bee Friendly Border Idea
A Fabulous Perennial Planting Idea
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Cirsium
Common names Thistle
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Cirsium (Thistle) to pick?
Compare Now

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