A lovely thistle found in the Borders & Highlands of Scotland in damp places in sun or light shade. Very popular with bees & butterflies; it produces large, purple, thistle flower heads & is less prickly & invasive than many other native thistles. A charming perennial up to 1m tall.

Sowing: can be sown at any time of year, but best in early autumn or in spring. Sow in trays or pots of moist compost and transplant to an open or lightly shaded site that does not dry out in summer, or scatter seed directly onto a fine-raked seed bed, firming down well. Keep young plants watered & weeded.

• Up to 1m
• 50-100 seeds per packet