Silver Thistle (Carlina Acaulis) 10 seeds (#1512)

Carlina acaulis (stemless carline thistle, dwarf carline thistle, silver thistle) is a perennial dicotyledonous flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to alpine regions of central and southern Europe.
The specific name acaulis (New Latin for "without a stem," from Latin caulis "stem" or "stalk") and common names are descriptive of the manner in which its flower head rests directly upon a basal leaf rosette.
The spiny, pinnatilobate leaves grow in a basal rosette approximately 20 cm in diameter. The flowers are produced in a large (up to 10 cm) flowerhead of silvery-white ray florets around a central disc. The disc florets are tubular and yellow-brown in colour.
To protect the pollen, the head closes in wet weather, a phenomenon folklore holds to presage forthcoming rain. The flowering time is between July and September.
Approximately 10 seeds in 0.1g packet.

Genus - Carlina
Species - Acaulis
Common name - Silver Thistle
Pre-Treatment - Not-required, but recommended
Hardiness zones - 6 - 10
Height - 0,30 m
Spread - 0,20 - 0,40 m
Plant type - Perennial flower
Exposure - Full Sun
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil type - Normal, sandy
Water requirements - Average, drought tolerant
Landscape uses - Alpine & Rock, Containers, Deer Resistant
Bloom season - July - September
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Silver

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours.
Cold stratify for 60 days in wet sterile sand or vermiculite at +4C. Stratification improves germination speed, but is not required. Sow from April to June 3-4 mm deep, tamp the soil.
Other: stratification improves germination speed, but is not required.