If you sow biennial seed, you’ll get leaves in year one, followed by flowers in year two. Many biennials are sold as two year old plants, ready to flower.
Onopordum acanthium
Cotton thistle
Biennial
Hardy
Pink
Silver-grey
180cm x 90cm (6ft x 3ft)
Tall thistle-like plant with prickly leaves. Will grow in sun or partial shade. To prevent self-seeding remove dead flowers, and protect leaves against slug and snail damage.