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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: Deep magenta to crimson, thistle-like flowers
Foliage color: Deep green with a slightly spiny texture
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer, often with a second flush in fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Deadhead to encourage repeat blooming; cut back in late fall
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Perennials

Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’

Atropurpureum Plum Thistle

Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum' is an elegant, clump-forming perennial prized for its vibrant, deep magenta to crimson flower heads. The flowers, which resemble soft thistle tufts, appear on tall, slender stems from late spring to early summer, with occasional intermittent blooms later in the season. These blooms stand out beautifully against the backdrop of its mid-green, deeply divided foliage, adding vertical interest and texture to the garden.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer, often with a second flush in fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)