Brook Plume Thistle

A show-stopping architectural perennial, this ornamental thistle is a master of vertical interest and a magnet for pollinators. From early to mid-Summer, it sends up tall, elegant, and nearly leafless stems topped with spectacular, pincushion-like flower heads in an intense shade of deep crimson-purple. These vibrant "pom-poms" sit high above a basal clump of jagged, silver-green foliage, creating a striking accent that sways gracefully in the breeze. Commonly known as the Brook Thistle, its botanical name rivulare hints at its natural love for damp environments. This makes it an exceptional choice for moist borders, bog gardens, or the sunny edges of a pond. Unlike many of its wild relatives, the foliage is relatively soft and easy to manage. If deadheaded regularly, it will often reward you with a second flush of blooms in late Summer. It is perfectly at home in both formal herbaceous borders and wilder, naturalistic "prairie" schemes.

Site: Tolerates exposure; open, sunny site
Soil: Prefers reliably moist, fertile soil; avoid drying out
Position: Best in full sun
Season of interest: June to August.
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 4-5’ (1.2-1.5m) Spread: 2’ (60cm)

Image by Mark cropped, and licensed under  CC BY 2.0