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Pretty Thistles

© Jojo Sigurgeirson

Why on earth would you want to grow thistles?

Maybe because they're interesting, easy, and repellant in an attractive way?

This may not be of much concern to the typical urban gardener, but it will interest some of our more rural friends that deer will not tolerate the prickles of thistles on their tongues.

As well, butterflies love thistles, or rather, their larvae do. Providing food for caterpillars is one way of encouraging butterflies. Most thistles have a special butterfly that loves to feed on its leaves.

Growing Thistles
Thistles generally like poor, well-drained soil and a position in full sun.

Thistle patches are drought-tolerant once established, although watering the roots during the flowering period will help produce more flowers.

All those mentioned below are grown as perennials.

Choosing Thistles
I hope you enjoy this listing of commonly available thistles. If you take a look at the discussion (linked to below) you will probably find information about a few of the more ecclectic thistles.

Cirsium
These include Scots Thistles, Canadian thistles and one sometimes grown ornamentally, Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'. All are considered weeds and extremely easy to grow in poor soil and lots of sun, although they have a longer blooming period if kept moist in summer. Ethnobotanic and present uses of Cirsiums. A wide range of hardiness levels, down to zone 2.

Carlina
The carline thistle (Carlina acaulis), also known as stemless caroline bears large flowers with silver-coloured ring of the inner petals, framed by the rosette of spiky leaves lying flat on the ground, giving the plant its highly unusual appearance. It blooms from July to September. Another nice picture Hardy to zone 6. Needs very good drainage, especially during dormant season.

Echinops
A perennial for serious crafters who like lots of thistle balls on stems on hand, and for looking at the sunset through. These magical balls of silvery blue are easy to grow in an open location with poor soil. Colouration is bluest and best on plants given no overhead watering, and a drought period will also help colour them up, although they will tend to flower less if dry at the roots. Full View Hardy to zone 4.

Eryngium
These plants have been gaining popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. This article from talking plants pretty much says it all. If you're interested, here are some more photos... E. amthystium, Rattlesnake Master, Eryngium bourgatii, Eryngium planum. Most Eryngiums are hardy to zone 5 or 6.

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