Onopordum acanthium or the Cotton Thistle is a vigorous and upright biennial that produces very spiny and deeply lobed, grey and hairy leaves, the covering of which looks like raw cotton or white candyfloss.
From the centre of the basal rosette emerges a tall stalk in summer, atop which is borne tufted, pink to mauve flowers that are surrounded by an orb of prickles.
These very architectural plants make a strong statement in mixed borders and being quite tall and only two tone in colour make an excellent backdrop to smaller and highly coloured flowers.
Good for all informal garden designs especially gravel gardens and wildflower meadows.