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Plant Selector Guide
Onopordum acanthium (Cotton Thistle, Scotch Thistle)

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Plant Type: Biennial
Uses: Ornamenal, Wildflower/Meadow, Border
Propagation: Seeds
Habit: Upright, Spreading
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade
Flower Color: Pink, Lavender
Blooms: Summer
Width: 3 ft.
Height: 6 - 9 ft.
Fertility: Moderately Rich, Average
Soil: Neutral, Well-Drained
Zone: 1 - 11

Hardy Biennial. This is a traditional favorite and is immortalized in the story of Robert Bruce's defense of Stirling Castle. Bruce's armies were alerted to the enemy when one barefoot attacker cried out after stepping on the spiny Scotch Thistle. It is a slow-growing biennial with silvery gray foliage and bright pink or lavender blooms appearing in summer. Sow your seeds outdoors in the bed you wish to grow these plants in. Deadhead faded blooms if you wish to prevent self-sowing.