Spotted golden thistle Plant Care

Spotted golden thistle (Scolymus maculatus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Scolymus genus. Spotted golden thistle is also known as Scots thistle, Scolymus annuus, Scolymus clusii.

Spotted golden thistle displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spotted golden thistle produces small yellow composite flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spotted golden thistle every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Spotted golden thistle thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Scolymus maculatus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Spotted golden thistle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Spotted golden thistle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spotted golden thistle every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spotted golden thistle is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Spotted golden thistle can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Spotted golden thistle while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Spotted golden thistle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Spotted golden thistle can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spanish oyster thistle plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Spotted golden thistle is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, leaf miners. 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.

Spotted golden thistle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Spotted golden thistle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.