Vancouver Thistle

Vancouver Thistle (Cirsium x vancouverense) should be watered approximately once a week. This plant enjoys moist soil rather than soggy soil, so water thoroughly until a few inches of soil is damp. It is important to ensure that the soil is draining well; this is especially important when growing Vancouver Thistle in a container. If signs of an overwatered plant occur, such as wilting or yellowing leaves, reduce watering to no more than once every 10 days until the plant recovers. During periods of drought or extreme heat, Vancouver Thistle may need to be watered more frequently. Be sure to check the soil moisture before watering to determine if it is needed.

Vancouver Thistle (Cirsium x vancouverense) is native to coastal British Columbia and is best when grown in full sun to light shade locations. This species of plant enjoys plenty of sunshine with 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In addition, it can handle indirect sunlight and some shade during the hottest hours of the day to avoid sunburn or heat stress. Ideally, an amount of moderate light should be provided for optimal growth and flowering. It is best if the plant is placed in an area that receives full sun in the morning, morning or late afternoon shade, and then a few hours of full sun during the late afternoon.

Vancouver Thistle (Cirsium x vancouverense) should be pruned in the early spring, when new growth has just begun. Pruning should be done cautiously since the stems of the plant are fragile and may break easily. For best results, limit pruning to no more than 1-third of the height of the plant. Generally, the best practice is to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Additionally, removing any flowers that have faded or gone to seed can be beneficial, as this will help promote new growth and increase the flowering potential. Pruning should be done regularly, throughout the growing season, as needed.