My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Chardonsoleil

Carlina acanthifolia · Asteraceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant chardonsoleil: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Family
Asteraceae
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
July to September
Adult size
30 to 60 cm tall
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -15°C
Origin
Mountainous regions of central and southern Europe
Soil type
Well-draining, chalky, poor to average
Growth
Slow

Care

Exposure

Carlina with acanthus-like leaves appreciates a sunny exposure to bloom abundantly. It tolerates partial shade but will be less generous. Install it in a warm, dry location, sheltered from strong winds that can damage its spiny leaves.

Soil

This plant requires well-draining, preferably chalky soil. It tolerates poor and stony soils much better than heavy, wet ones. If your soil is clayey, improve drainage by adding gravel or coarse sand.

Watering

Water moderately during the growing season, especially in the first year. Once established, as carlina tolerates drought well, you can space out waterings. In winter, minimize water: it fears excess winter moisture more than dryness.

Fertilizer

Undemanding, carlina requires only light feeding. A light spreading of mature compost in spring is ample. Avoid overly rich nitrogen applications that would favor foliage at the expense of flowering.

Pruning

No pruning is necessary. You can simply remove faded flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. In late autumn, cut dried stems down to ground level after the first frosts.

Diseases and pests

Very robust, carlina is rarely subject to disease when well established. Collar rot can occur in overly wet soil; ensure good drainage. No specific pests generally threaten it.

Did you know?

In the Middle Ages, carlina was renowned for its medicinal properties and considered a magical plant capable of warding off evil. Its large pale yellow flower heads, which persist long on the plant, led to its use dried as interior decoration, and people attributed to it the power to predict rain: its flowers would close before a storm.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

Add this plant to my garden →

Plants from the same family

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.