How to Grow and Care for Rhaponticum

Shepherd's spoon is a perennial that grows in forests, clearings, disturbed lands, and rocky areas. After blooming in early summer, this broad-leaf plant produces a cone at the top of the stem, this is where the plant's name, "pinecone thistle," comes from.

Broadleaf globethistle is a striking perennial herb that boasts a solitary, vivid blue-violet flower, which is a key identifier. It flourishes in alpine meadows, where its lance-shaped green leaves contrast with its rugged mountainous surroundings. The plant is adapted to cooler climates and thrives in well-drained soil, showcasing its resilience amidst the rocky terrain.

Rhaponticum repens is commonly called russian knapweed and is native to Eurasia. It has been introduced to North American and is a deep-rooted, long-lived plant. Some of these plants have been in existence for over 75 years.

The biological form of Rhaponticum scariosum is hemicryptophyte scapose, as its overwintering buds are situated just below the soil surface and the floral axis is more or less erect with a few leaves. Rhaponticum scariosum reaches on average 30 to 150 cm in height. The strong, thick, upright stem is leafy and hairy, woolly-tomentose and usually has only one inflorescence.

Maral root is a robust perennial herb with striking, thistle-like purple flowers atop tall stems. Its thick, silver-green leaves are deeply lobed, resembling spiky rosettes that lend a rugged texture. This adaptogen thrives in Siberian meadows, with an ability to withstand cold climates, and has roots reputed for medicinal properties.