Cirsium rivulare ‘Trevor’s Felly Find’
By Emma Jarvis, Nursery Manager at Barnsdale Gardens.
This month’s choice is Cirsium rivulare ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’, a vibrant and elegant perennial that brings mauve-purple flowers and airy movement to the summer garden. Flowering into early summer, it arrives just as many early perennials begin to fade. When deadheaded, it rewards you with a second flush of flowers in late summer too.
Why Choose Cirsium rivulare ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’
Cirsium ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’ produces pincushion-like, tufted flowerheads in deep red to purple tones. Held high on slender stems, the flowers last for weeks. Great for naturalising, they can appear to hover above the planting.
Unlike many thistles, ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’ has a more refined, elegant quality, with less spiny leaves and a lighter presence, making it suitable for ornamental planting. It grows to around 1–1.2m tall; the height and openness allow it to add structure to a border without heaviness, blending well into relaxed, naturalistic schemes.
Where to Plant Cirsium rivulare ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’
Native to central and eastern Europe, Cirsium rivulare ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’ grows naturally in damp meadows and stream banks. It thrives best in a sunny position with moist but well-drained soil. The name rivulare means “brook-loving” in Latin—hence the common name, Brook Thistle.
It is tolerant of drier conditions and partial shade once established, but it will not be at its absolute best.
Planting Companions and Garden Design Ideas
Cirsium ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’ looks particularly effective when planted in drifts, where its tall, elegant stems rise effortlessly through surrounding planting. It pairs especially well with ornamental grasses such as Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’ or Stipa tenuissima, adding movement and softness.
It also combines beautifully with perennials such as Lychnis ‘White Robin’, contributing to a naturalistic, meadow-like feel. If left in place, the flowerheads develop into attractive seed structures, extending interest well into late summer.
Growing and Propagating Cirsium rivulare ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’
‘Trevor’s Felley Find’ is easy to grow and propagate. Plants can be divided in early spring or autumn.
On the nursery, we grow it in peat-free compost, where it establishes quickly and returns strongly each year, with very little intervention. The only challenge is avoiding the bees when picking them up!
Wildlife Value in the Garden
Cirsium ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’ is a magnet for wildlife. The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. The seedheads then provide food for birds into autumn, making it an excellent choice for supporting biodiversity in the garden.
See Cirsium rivulare ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’ at Barnsdale Gardens
Cirsium rivulare ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’ can be found in the border behind the entry kiosk, where it catches the light beautifully and attracts a wide range of pollinators..
If you’re looking to add a hardworking plant with a rich colour to your summer borders, Cirsium rivulare ‘Trevor’s Felley Find’ is highly recommended.
You can buy it from our nursery or online from Barnsdale Gardens by clicking here.
