Pitcher's Thistle

Pitcher's Thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) prefers soils with a neutral pH and requires regular watering. Water this plant species thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, usually 1-2 times a week. This will ensure the roots are always kept moist and prevent the plant from wilting or drying out. Water thoroughly, and make sure there is no standing water left in the container. During the summer months, it is best to water the plants twice a week to ensure a consistently moist soil; in the cooler winter months, Pitcher's Thistle can handle more infrequent watering — once every 2-3 weeks should be sufficient.

The amount of sunlight needed for Pitcher's Thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) to fully flourish is 6-8 hours each day. In the summer months, the sunlight should be the strongest, closest to midday for optimal growth. In the winter months, slightly less intense sunlight is ideal, as too much direct sun could cause drying of the leaves. For successful establishment of this plant, it is important to be located in an area that receives full sun most of the day. If this is not possible, it may be possible to provide supplemental lighting, such as fluorescent lighting or grow lamps.

Pitcher's Thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. When pruning, remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thin out overgrown stems, leaving only around 3-4 main branches. To maintain a compact shape, prune the stems of the thistle back by 1-third or 1-half of their length. Additionally, removing spent flowers will encourage more blooming. The best time to prune to rejuvenate the plant is in late winter or early spring.