Cirsium riv. 'Frosted Magic' ®

Overview and Plant Description

Cirsium rivulare 'Frosted Magic'® is a highly ornamental thistle cultivated for its striking silvery-white flowers, elegant vertical structure, and pollinator-friendly performance. This cultivated form of Cirsium rivulare (a naturally clump-forming thistle species native to damp European meadows) is non-invasive, long-flowering, and dramatic in both formal borders and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Unlike its spikier relatives, this cultivated thistle has a refined appearance—offering architectural interest without aggressive spreading. Its silvery white blooms contrast beautifully with upright green stems and deeply lobed foliage.

• Botanical Name: Cirsium rivulare 'Frosted Magic'®

• Common Name: Ornamental Thistle ‘Frosted Magic’

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Family: Asteraceae

• Height & Spread: 90–120 cm tall × 45–60 cm wide

• Flowers: Ball-shaped, frosted-white blooms with soft texture

• Foliage: Deeply lobed, green, thistle-like leaves

• Flowering Period: Late spring to early autumn (May–September)

• Habit: Upright, clump-forming

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (H7; tolerates -20°C and below)

Light, Soil & Positioning

Light Requirements

• Best in full sun for the strongest flowering

• Tolerates light or partial shade, especially in hotter regions

• Choose a spot with good airflow to prevent mildew or fungal issues

Soil Conditions

• Grows well in moist but well-drained soil

• Prefers neutral to alkaline pH

• Tolerates clay or loam, but avoid overly dry, sandy ground

• Will thrive in damp borders, meadow-style plantings, and near ponds or streams

Watering, Feeding & Maintenance

Watering

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots

• Once established, ‘Frosted Magic’ is moderately drought-tolerant but thrives with consistent moisture

• Avoid prolonged dry spells to maintain strong flowering

Feeding

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring

• Alternatively, feed with a liquid general-purpose feed every 4–6 weeks in summer for extended flowering

Seasonal Maintenance

• Deadhead faded flowers regularly to encourage repeat blooming and prolong the season

• In late autumn, cut stems back to the base to tidy the plant for winter

• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring or autumn to rejuvenate and maintain vigour

Garden Uses and Companion Plants

Cirsium 'Frosted Magic'® is a true garden multitasker. Its elegant shape and unusual flower colour make it suitable for mixed borders, wildlife gardens, cut flower beds, and naturalistic planting schemes.

Best Uses

• Architectural vertical interest in perennial beds

• Wildflower or pollinator borders

• Meadow-style gardens or prairie schemes

• Contemporary planting in gravel or cottage gardens

• Ideal for cut flower arrangements

Companion Plants

• Pair with Veronicastrum, Achillea, or Echinacea for a tall, airy planting effect

• Works well with Stipa tenuissima, Calamagrostis, or other ornamental grasses

• Contrasts beautifully with purple, blue, or magenta flowers such as Salvia, Geranium ‘Rozanne’, or Nepeta

• Combine with silver foliage plants like Stachys byzantina or Artemisia

Key Features and Selling Points

• Unusual white thistle blooms add interest and elegance

• Compact and well-behaved—non-invasive

• Excellent for pollinators—loved by bees and butterflies

• Long blooming period from late spring through summer

• Hardy and low maintenance once established

• Ideal for cutting gardens and vase arrangements

• Adds height and texture to perennial displays

• Thrives in sunny, moist borders and wildlife-friendly gardens

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.