The thistle plant has a checkered reputation, depending on the variety you’re referring to. For many, the thistle is synonymous with those pesky, prickly, invasive weeds that invade lawns, gardens, and virtually every outdoor space. To others, however, the thistle is a proud national symbol, famously associated with Scotland. Not all thistles deserve the negative reputation they often receive.
While the Canadian thistle is most commonly known as the invasive weed that causes frustration in gardens, the genus includes many other spectacular varieties that produce stunning flowers, often featured in bouquets and floral arrangements. Thistles are also excellent pollinators, attracting many beneficial insects with their nectar.
In general, thistles thrive in poor conditions — from soil to water availability and sun exposure. They prefer full sun and are highly tolerant of heat and dry environments. Left unchecked, some varieties can spread rapidly, which is why certain thistles are considered invasive and a gardener’s nightmare. Their long roots make them especially stubborn, allowing them to return year after year once established, often invading gardens, lawns, and even driveways.
Available in our artificial offerings — minus the prickly leaves and thorns found on natural varieties — these thistle flowers bring a wild yet colourful touch to your arrangements. Best of all, they won’t spread throughout your home like their natural cousins do in your outdoor spaces!