This thistle is a favourite food plant of the Great Yellow Bumblebee, as well as many other bumblebees and butterflies. A tall and very striking thistle with prickly leaves and stems and clusters of pinkish purple flower heads, it is found in damp places throughout Scotland.

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 damp site whilst still small plants, or scatter seed directly onto a fine-raked seed bed, firming down well. Water well and keep young plants weeded.

Biennial. Up to 1.5m tall

50-100 seeds per packet.