Cirsium rivulare 'atropurpureum'

Today's the day ....................... for the order of the thistle

They're often considered a prickly problem, but I willingly grow quite a few thistles in my garden.

Knapweeds and cornflowers are close cousins of the thistle family - as are the magnificent globe artichokes that I have a very soft spot for.  And as for the glorious Cirsium rivulare  shown above, no garden is complete without one.

I'd grow it for the colour alone ...........................