trefle.io · Taken May 2, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Asteraceae
Variegated artichoke
Silybum marianum
Also known as Carthamus maculatus, Cirsium maculatum, Carduus lactifolius, Carduus marianus
Native Plants · Milk Thistle · Medicinal Herb · Drought Tolerant · Thistle · Wildflower · Biennial · Pollinator · Liver Support · Ornamental Foliage · Silymarin
Variegated artichoke (milk thistle) is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment but reduce frequency once established, as it tolerates moderate drought. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding, as it can spread vigorously in garden beds.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 6 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply until soil is moist, then allow top inch to dry between waterings · Every 7-10 days
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 7.5–8
- Temperature
- -30°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 4a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 5 ft
- Spacing
- 24 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Alabama, Albania, Alberta, Algeria, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arizona, Arkansas, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Borneo, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Birds
Sources: trefle, usda
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