Plume Thistle Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'
ABOUT
The plant known as the Plume Thistle 'Atropurpureum' is a visually striking perennial known for its showy and vibrant flowers. The most distinct feature of this plant is its deep crimson or magenta blooms, which have a fluffy, thistle-like appearance set atop slender stems. The flowers are quite large and are composed of numerous small florets that collectively form the striking flower heads. These heads can sometimes appear almost tufted or feather-like in texture. The foliage of the Plume Thistle 'Atropurpureum' is equally attractive, featuring long, narrow leaves with an intense green color. The leaves are deeply lobed, giving them a somewhat spiky or serrated look along the edges, which adds to the textural interest of the plant. The contrast between the dark, richly colored blooms and the bright green leaves creates an eye-catching display in any garden setting. The stems of the Plume Thistle are firm and erect, holding the flower heads high and making them a focal point in the landscape. Often, the plant will produce several of these stems, creating a bushy appearance with multiple blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Overall, the Plume Thistle 'Atropurpureum' is noted for its ornamental value, with its stunning dark flowers and spiny, lush foliage adding dramatic flair to garden beds and borders. Its striking appearance makes it a popular choice among gardeners looking to inject some bold color and texture into their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Plume Thistle, Brook Thistle, Ornamental Thistle, River Thistle.
Common names
Carduus rivularis, Cirsium rivulare.
ToxicityTo humans
The plume thistle is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no common symptoms of poisoning, as it does not typically cause any adverse reactions when touched or ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may occur, so it's always wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants not known to be edible.
To pets
The plume thistle is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not considered poisonous, and there are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant. However, it's generally a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset or other issues due to individual sensitivities or physical obstructions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The striking deep purple flowers of the Plume Thistle add dramatic color contrast and visual interest to gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: It serves as a major attractant for bees and butterflies, fostering biodiversity and pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Being relatively drought-tolerant, it requires less watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.
- Deer Resistance: The Plume Thistle's foliage is not a favorite of deer, making it a good choice for areas with high deer populations.
- Long Blooming Season: The long flowering period, typically from early summer to early fall, provides sustained beauty in the landscape.
- Low Maintenance: It is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond the occasional deadheading to promote further blooming.
- Architectural Structure: The tall, erect form of the Plume Thistle can add height and structure to garden beds or borders.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum', or plume thistle, can be used in floral arrangements for their striking purple flowers and long stems, providing a bold and elegant feature in both fresh and dried bouquets.
- The plume thistle's dense foliage and growth habit can provide a natural barrier or hedge when planted in rows, offering a level of privacy and a deterrent for trespassers or wildlife due to its prickly nature.
- Because of its unique look, the plume thistle can be incorporated into garden design as a focal point, especially in a rock garden or a xeriscape, contributing to the aesthetic diversity with its height and color.
- The dried flower heads of the plume thistle can be used in crafts, such as the creation of wreaths or other decorative items, adding a touch of natural elegance.
- In ecological landscaping, the plant can be used to stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion due to its extensive root system.
- Plume thistles can be planted to support biodiversity, as they provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, fostering a healthy ecosystem.
- These plants can be used as part of natural dyeing processes, where the flowers and other plant parts are boiled to extract pigments for coloring fabrics or paper.
- The seeds of the plume thistle are a source of food for birds, particularly finches, which can help in attracting and supporting a variety of bird species in a garden.
- Gardeners can use the plant as a natural seasonal indicator, as the flowering period can signal the peak of the summer season.
- The fibers extracted from the dried stems of the plume thistle can be used in paper making, providing a unique texture and appearance to handmade paper products.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Plume Thistle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Plume Thistle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The genus Cirsium, which includes the common name 'Plume Thistle,' often symbolizes protection due to its spiky nature, warding off both physical and metaphysical threats.
- Independence: Thistles like the Plume Thistle generally stand for independence and the ability to self-stand, due to their rugged appearance and capability to grow in challenging conditions.
- Austerity: The stark, yet striking, appearance of the Plume Thistle can also symbolize austerity and the ability to thrive with minimal resources.
- Nobility: In Scotland, and by extension, Plume Thistle is associated with nobility and pride, having been an emblem in the country for centuries.
WaterThe Plume Thistle should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water is provided to each plant to encourage a strong root system. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, monitoring the soil moisture and only watering when the top inch feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases and provide water directly to the base of the plant. Cut back on watering in the fall to help harden off the plant for winter.
LightThe Plume Thistle flourishes best in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a spot in the garden that's exposed to unfiltered sunlight to promote abundant flowering and robust growth. Partial shade is tolerable, but it may result in a leggier plant with fewer blossoms.
TemperatureThe Plume Thistle is hardy and can survive in temperatures ranging from frosty conditions around 15 degrees Fahrenheit to hot summer temperatures upwards of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, it thrives in temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. Ensure that winter mulching is provided if temperatures frequently drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the root system.
PruningPruning the Plume Thistle is important to remove spent blooms and encourage further flowering. Deadhead the plant by cutting back the spent flower stems to the base to maintain a tidy appearance and promote new growth. The best time for pruning is after the first flush of blooms has faded, usually in mid to late summer. Do not prune in the fall, as the foliage provides winter interest and insulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPlume Thistle thrives in moist, fertile soil with good drainage and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix can be made by combining garden soil with compost and peat moss to ensure fertility and moisture retention while still allowing excess water to drain away.
RepottingPlume Thistle typically does not require frequent repotting and can be as infrequent as every 3-4 years. Repotting should be done in the spring if the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil has degraded.
Humidity & MistingPlume Thistle prefers an outdoor environment and doesn't have specific humidity requirements. It can tolerate a wide range of conditions, faring well in the average humidity found in most garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Plume Thistle in well-lit area; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide moist fertile soil, divide as needed.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleCirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum', commonly known as Plume Thistle, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in early spring, requiring only minimal soil disturbance to initiate growth. The seedlings establish themselves quickly, forming a rosette of spiny, dark green leaves close to the ground. From the rosette, a sturdy flowering stem grows, reaching up to 1.5 meters tall, and blooms in late spring to summer with deep crimson, thistle-like flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, which is often aided by the plant's attractiveness to insects, the flowers produce seeds by late summer. The seeds are then dispersed by wind or wildlife, thus propagating new plants which will grow and complete the cycle once again. Outside of its flowering period, the plant remains as a rosette through the fall and winter, with the cycle repeating each spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum', commonly known as Plume Thistle, is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring, shortly after the last frost when the soil has begun to warm up. To propagate by seed, you should scatter the seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix in a tray or pot. Lightly press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place in a warm spot with indirect light. Germination can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on before planting out in the garden.
