The shepherds crook bend on the flower stalk of Cirsium purpuratum ensure the densely packed mass of flower parts are dry and attractive to bees who have no misgivings about working upside down. The florets are purple in colour and going by the attention of the pollinating insects are full of nectar. Certainly full of pollen as the insects are covered as they clamber their way through the densely packed disc florets within the composite flower head. Later in the year the seed produced will be needed to keep this short lived perennial represented in the garden. Through the border are seedlings representing a range of age classes, next year’s flowers are guaranteed. A native to Japan and East Asia c.1850m in scree and rocky outcrops where well-drained soil predominates.