Exotic Gardening with Rare and Strange Plants

A couple days ago my Onopordum acanthium (Scotish Thistle) started to unfurl it’s purple flower petals. Ornamental thistles might not be for everyone but I find this specimen worthwhile. It silver foliage and interesting flower heads are an interesting addition to the higher levels of your garden.

Native to Europe, Onopordum acanthium grows well in North America and in some locations is considered a noxious weed. Onopordum grows care free and is drought resistant to boot. Being a biannual your original specimen is doomed to die after it finishes flowering. Luckily it seeds abundantly and you’re sure to end up with more in the garden via volunteer seedling.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Mr Nat. Gardener, Plant Nerd
Tips and tales about gardening in one of the most mild climates in Canada. Specializing in rare and strange plants from far out destinations, this is the story of an obsessed young gardener in Victoria B.C. Let's create more tropical gardens in the garden city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.