Zone: 4
Height: 1.5-2 m (5-6+ft)
Spread: 1 m (3ft 3in)
Bloom: Late summer; purple thistle
Foliage: Silver-white-green, spiny and hairy
Light: Full sun-part shade (but, really, Full Sun!)
Water: Little or none here
Soil: Average to poor; well-drained
Garden location: Bold accent plant for dry border; base of plant is sparse in late summer (easily hidden by placement in mid- or back of border); plant is very striking against a dark background.
Onopordum acanthium (Scotch thistle)
The national flower of Scotland, this biennial will self-sow, but is easy to weed out (here, in warmer and drier climates this thistle can be an invasive problem, so CAUTION). First year: silver basal rosette. Second year: rapidly stretches to dramatic height and flowers (purple thistles) at tips of branches.
