Dipsacus fullonum
Teasel, Common teasel
Also known as Dipsacus sylvestris
- Height × spread
- 2m × 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is grown for its teasels, the dead flower heads, that can be used as a feature in the winter garden. This tall plant can reach 2m (6ft) height, the teasels are borne on long, spiny stalks. They start as fat, thumb-shaped, flower heads that briefly carry tiny, lilac flowers then, after these finish, they turn brown.
- Flower colour
- Lilac, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Prairie garden, Herb garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, stems are prickly/thorny
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.