Scottish Thistle in Southern California

12 years ago

I'm very new to plants and I have a few questions regarding the ability to grow a Scottish thistle plant where I live.

For our anniversary in September, I would like to give my boyfriend a Scottish thistle (just like how Murron gives William Wallace the thistle in the movie Braveheart).

My first question is where can I buy a Scottish thistle plant and approximately how much would it cost? Second, if I were to obtain one, can I grow it during a typical Southern California summer? Thirdly, if it is compatible with the climate here, will it produce the purple thistle in time for our anniversary? If it were to bloom prior to September, that is alright because I would just press the flower in a book for the time remaining.

If the above is not possible, would it be possible for me to simply purchase a flower from someone who is already growing them or even a nursery? I know that sounds like an odd request, but if it was doable, it would be very helpful.

As I stated earlier, I am very new to growing plants and I was very confused by what several websites told me about how to grow a Scottish thistle plant. Any help or clarification would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

Here is a link that might be useful:

Featured Answer

wantonamara Z8 CenTex

12 years ago

Here in texas it is considered a invasive. If you checked your states invasive plant list and still want it, I am sure that I can find some seed, BUT are you sure you want this? My grandfather declared war on scotch thistle and spent many hours over years and years walking the hills of Pennsylvania irradiating it. It was his pet obsession. He even trained his dogs to dig them up.

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Comments (9)

mollyaerody
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you so much however I have located a plant very inexpensively. I appreciate your offer very much, though. :)
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chaparralgirl
12 years ago
Inexpensively? Hell, my folks have it for FREE - it's growing in their back yard! It is, indeed, an invasive. If I could spend more time at their place, I'd be able to pull all that sucker up - you could have it all, too, if you wanted. It's very pretty, but (sadly) doesn't belong here - at least not in the wild.
User
7 years ago
LOL, I had a grove of running bamboo in the back, my neighbor and I agreed to get rid of it. Well, in the same area a grove of Scottish Thistle emerged from nowhere! If bamboo is the plant from he//, Scotland must be worse!! It is 6 plus feet tall and VICIOUSLY barbed with thorns (PENETRATED MY GARDENING GLOVES!). Oh, the bamboo is coming back now too, but this time I might be rooting for the BAMBOO!!!
linywiny
7 years ago
hope the sun kills it,the plants that are not natural to our habitat should not be grown here,too many plants here from Africa and we don't need more invasive ones from yet another country.
User
7 years ago
I am in Northern California, it is a very invasive plant. They flower early spring.

Please keep your plant inside of your home.
Amy Tam
5 years ago
Hi

i am looking to buy some scottish thistle plants Would anyone like to sell me some. Thank in advance.

Amy
wantonamara Z8 CenTex
5 years ago
There are some Native thistles that you could plant instead.
Amy Tam
5 years ago
Where can I get those ?