Plant type

Biennial

Height & spread

1.5m x 60-90cm

Wildlife benefit

Butterfly nectar and caterpillar plant

  • An architectural plant with glossy leaves heavily veined silver. Very spiny.
  • Rosettes of leaves form in year one and in its second year it throws up a tall flowering spike with purple, thistle-like flowers. These are held from summer to autumn. A dramatic sun-lover, great for gravel gardens.
  • Painted Lady Butterfly caterpillar food plant. Flowers visited for nectar by adult butterflies.
  • Birds may take seeds.