Plume Thistle Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find' (PBR)
ABOUT
Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find' is a striking perennial plant known for its visual interest and textural qualities. It has a robust and upright habit, with spear-like, deeply lobed leaves that have a somewhat prickly feel and a vibrant green hue. The foliage forms a dense rosette at the base, creating a lush backdrop for the showy flowers. The flower heads are the main attraction; they are thistle-like in appearance with a rich, deep crimson to purple color, making them a real standout in the garden. The blooms are composed of numerous tiny flowers tightly packed into a rounded shape, and they are favored by pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These flowers are carried on slender yet sturdy stems, which stand proudly above the foliage, giving the plant an airy, yet substantial presence. The combination of the architectural leaves and the eye-catching flowers make Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find' a favorite among gardeners seeking to add drama and height to their borders without discussing actual measurements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Plume Thistle, Brook Thistle, Trevor's Blue Wonder.
Common names
Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Blue Wonder'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as plume thistle, is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, like many other non-toxic plants, if ingested in large quantities or by individuals with specific allergies, it may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. It's important to note that the leaves and stems are spiny and prickly, which can cause mechanical irritation and discomfort upon handling or accidental ingestion. While there is typically no severe toxic reaction to worry about, it is always best to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants since they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
The plume thistle is not known to be toxic to pets. However, as with humans, the spiny foliage can cause physical irritation if a pet were to chew on the leaves or stems. This might lead to discomfort or minor injuries to the mouth or gastrointestinal tract. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, it could potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. As a general rule, it's wise to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants, as they are not part of their natural diet and can sometimes cause adverse effects even if they are not outright poisonous.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Crimson
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its striking spiny leaves and deep crimson flowers.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers are a nectar source for bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it's drought-resistant and requires minimal care, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
- High Adaptability: Tolerates a range of soil types, from clay to loam and sand, provided the site is well-drained.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from early summer to early autumn, providing color in the garden for an extended season.
- Resistance to Pests: Typically not prone to serious pest or disease problems, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Architectural Structure: Its vertical growth habit and thistle-like appearance add structural interest to planting schemes.
- Cottage Garden Fit: Ideal for cottage gardens where its naturalistic look can blend with other perennials and grasses.
- Border Plant: Suitable for use in borders, providing height and acting as a backdrop for other plants.
- Cut Flower: Makes an excellent cut flower for arrangements due to its long stems and lasting blooms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile Dyeing: The flowers and stems of Cirsium rivulare, also known as plume thistle, may contain pigments that can be used to create natural dyes for textile coloring.
- Photography: Photographers may use the striking appearance of the plume thistle's deep colored blooms as a subject for botanical photography or as a backdrop for portraiture.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may be inspired by the form and color of plume thistle to create paintings, drawings, or other forms of botanical art.
- Educational Tool: The plume thistle can serve as an educational specimen for botany classes, illustrating plant structure and pollinator interactions.
- Garden Design: With its architectural presence, plume thistle can serve as a focal point in modern garden design, especially in xeriscaping or drought-resistant gardens.
- Biological Studies: Researchers may use the plume thistle in studies on plant competition, as it is known for its robust growth in different soil conditions.
- Ecosystem Support: It can provide a source of nectar for beneficial garden insects, contributing to the local ecosystem's health.
- Bird Habitat: The dense growth of plume thistle can offer shelter or nesting materials for certain bird species.
- Culinary Decoration: The non-edible flowers can be used as ornamental decorations on plates or tables for special culinary events to add visual appeal.
- Composting: Dead or pruned parts of the plume thistle can be composted to enrich garden soil, provided it's done before they set seed to prevent unwanted spread.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Thistle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Thistle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Thistles in general, like the Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find', are often associated with protection due to their prickly nature, which can deter unwanted creatures and symbolically guard against negative forces.
- Resilience and Toughness: With its ability to thrive in difficult conditions and its sturdy, spiky demeanor, this plant represents resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Nobility: In Scotland, the thistle is a national emblem, signifying nobility of character and birth, and this association can extend to the Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find'.
- Independence: Thistles are independent plants that often grow in challenging environments, symbolizing self-sufficiency and self-reliance.
WaterThe Plumed Thistle, also known as Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find', should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, depending on weather conditions. In hot, dry periods, you might need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter climates, you can water less often. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Deep, infrequent watering is preferred to encourage deep root growth, which helps the plant to be more drought-tolerant.
LightThe best light conditions for the Plumed Thistle are full sun to partial shade. It thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, though it can tolerate some light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. The plant should be placed in a spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade in very hot climates, or in a location with sun exposure throughout the day in cooler climates.
TemperatureThe Plumed Thistle prefers a temperature range between 50°F and 75°F, which is ideal for its growth. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F, but anything below this can be detrimental to the plant. During the summer, it can handle occasional spikes up to 85°F as long as it is well-watered and has some protection from the scorching midday sun.
PruningThe Plumed Thistle should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming throughout the season. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flowers, will prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively and is typically done in late summer or fall. Occasional pruning to shape the plant or to remove damaged or diseased foliage should be carried out as needed, usually in the spring or after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Plume Thistle (Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find'), the best soil mix is well-draining and fertile, with a good proportion of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ideally ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingPlume Thistles, like Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find', generally do not require frequent repotting and are typically repotted only when they outgrow their current container or every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingPlume Thistles, including Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find', tolerate a range of humidity levels but prefer a moderate environment, without the need for excessively high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plume Thistle requires bright light, well-drained soil, and good air circulation indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, in moist, well-drained soil; divide clumps as needed.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find', commonly known as plume thistle, begins with seed germination, occurring in the spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are favorable. The seedlings develop into rosettes with prickly leaves close to the ground during the vegetative stage, focusing on establishing a robust root system. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, producing tall, erect stems with deep crimson, thistle-like flower heads that are prominent against the plant's green foliage. After pollination, often by bees and butterflies attracted to the vibrant flowers, seeds are produced and dispersed by wind or wildlife, propagating the next generation of plume thistles. The plant may die back in colder climates during the winter but can behave as a perennial, regrowing from its rootstock when conditions improve in the following spring. The growth cycle repeats annually, with each plant having a potential lifespan of several years in which it grows, flowers, sets seeds, and eventually senesces.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Felley Find', commonly known as Plume Thistle, is by division. This process is generally done in the spring or autumn. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring a generous amount of root and soil is taken with it. The clump should then be gently teased apart into several smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system. These divisions can be immediately replanted into well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 cm) apart to allow for sufficient growing space. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. It's important to maintain consistent moisture for the newly divided plants until they show signs of new growth.
