Family Asteraceae
Originating from central and southern Europe.
A fully hardy Protea, with all the beauty of the South African national flower? You could be forgiven for thinking so, but this beautiful thistle is native to Alpine regions from the Mediterranean to Northern Germany and Poland. Its perennial stems emerge in spring flushed with burgundy/purple, and bear glossy, spiny bright green handsome leaves. The flower buds quickly develop and open in early to mid summer to reveal long pure white petals surrounding a central mass of stamens, loved by pollinators. Undemanding in any free draining soil in full sun.
Height and spread after 1 – 2 years 25cm x 50cm
