Photo: ThennickeCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Species Plantarum Plant Care
Onopordum illyricum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive feature is its large, spiny leaves that are silvery-white in color, giving it a striking appearance in any garden. Originally from the Balkans and Turkey, it is a unique addition for collectors seeking rare, drought-tolerant plants that can thrive in rocky or sandy soil.
Every 10–14 days
Full sun
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Species Plantarum?
Water Species Plantarum every 10–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Species Plantarum Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum (Onopordum illyricum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Onopordum genus. Species Plantarum is native to southwestern Europe.
Species Plantarum displays a tall, spiky biennial growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Species Plantarum produces large purple thistle-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Species Plantarum?
Onopordum illyricum requires watering every 10–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 10–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Species Plantarum Need?
Species Plantarum thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Species Plantarum Prefer?
Onopordum illyricum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Species Plantarum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Species Plantarum?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Species Plantarum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Species Plantarum?
Feed Species Plantarum every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Species Plantarum?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to onopordum × brevicaule plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Species Plantarum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Species Plantarum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Species Plantarum Need?
Species Plantarum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Species Plantarum is native to southwestern Europe.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Species Plantarum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Onopordum genus — compare its care with other Onopordum species on PlantoScan.
Onopordum is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Species Plantarum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Onopordum illyricum L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 827 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Species Plantarum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Thennicke, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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