Moving on from ilex aquifolium, up the hierarchy of tough plants, we come upon the Scotch thistle. I've some Scottish roots of my own, back to the Island of Jura. It's a stunning landscape, inspiring my mother's beautiful paintings and my uncle's critically acclaimed music, but it can also be a bleak and unforgiving old place. It is, of course, a fitting home for the thistle.Onopordum acanthium, "Scotch Thistle".
(Flowering biennial in the wild,
although some varieties can be annual or perennial.)
Planting: September to May.
Flowering: July to September.
Aspect: Full sun (not a common occurrence in Scotland!)
Hardiness: Very, very hardy.
Notes: Despite its unfriendly appearance, the Scotch thistle nectar is popular with the pearl-bordered fritillary (and the small pearl-bordered fritillary), high brown fritillary, and the dark green fritillary.
Links:
http://fionachariscarswell.com/
http://iansonmusic.com/
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