Photo: Javier martinPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
St. Barnaby's Thistle Plant Care
Tolpis barbata (L.) Gaertn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tolpis barbata is a unique plant known for its striking red and green variegated leaves. Native to the Mediterranean region, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its eye-catching foliage and easy care requirements.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for St. Barnaby's Thistle?
Water St. Barnaby's Thistle every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the St. Barnaby's Thistle Native To?
What Is the St. Barnaby's Thistle?
St. Barnaby's Thistle (Tolpis barbata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Tolpis genus. St. Barnaby's Thistle is native to southern Europe, including the Mediterranean, namely in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and the British territory of Gibraltar and. St. Barnaby's Thistle is also known as Yellow Hawkweed, Crepis barbata.
St. Barnaby's Thistle displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. St. Barnaby's Thistle produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a St. Barnaby's Thistle?
Tolpis barbata requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the St. Barnaby's Thistle Need?
St. Barnaby's Thistle thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the St. Barnaby's Thistle Prefer?
Tolpis barbata grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. St. Barnaby's Thistle prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a St. Barnaby's Thistle?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for St. Barnaby's Thistle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a St. Barnaby's Thistle?
Feed St. Barnaby's Thistle every 2 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 2 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 St. Barnaby's Thistle?
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 St. Barnaby's Thistle?
St. Barnaby's Thistle can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to succulent tolpis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the St. Barnaby's Thistle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list St. Barnaby's Thistle, 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 St. Barnaby's Thistle?
St. Barnaby's Thistle is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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 St. Barnaby's Thistle Need?
St. Barnaby's Thistle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. St. Barnaby's Thistle is native to southern Europe, including the Mediterranean, namely in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and the British territory of Gibraltar and.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
St. Barnaby's Thistle 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 Tolpis genus — compare its care with other Tolpis species on PlantoScan.
Tolpis is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
St. Barnaby's Thistle 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: Tolpis barbata (L.) Gaertn., family Asteraceae (first published in Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 372 (t. 160). 1791) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list St. Barnaby's Thistle, 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: Javier martin, Public domain, 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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