Silver milk thistle (Silybum eburneum)

Also known as: Ivory Thistle, Milk Thistle

The plant you're referring to is the Silver Milk Thistle. It features striking rosettes of silver-veined, deeply lobed leaves with spiny edges. The plant produces elegant, creamy-white flowers that are encased in spiny bracts, standing tall above the foliage. Well-suited to dry, rocky soils and Mediterranean climates, Silver Milk Thistle combines resilience with ornamental appeal.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Silver milk thistle

Lifespan

Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1.5 to 2 meters

Spread

0.6 to 1 meter

Leaf Color

Green with white veins

Flower Size

5 to 10 cm

Flower Color

Purple

Images of Silver milk thistle

Quickly Identify Silver milk thistle

Identify Silybum eburneum by its large, lobed, and prickly leaves with white marbling. The flowers are typically purple, blooming from a bulbous, thistle-like head.

Scientific Classification of Silver milk thistle

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asterales

Family

Daisy

Genus

Milk thistles

Species

Silver milk thistle

Planting and Growing of Silver milk thistle

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Silver milk thistle?

Silybum eburneum requires a consistent supply of moisture yet should not be waterlogged. Water until the soil feels damp down to about 2 inches, ensuring excess water drains away to prevent root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Silver milk thistle? ›

What should I do if my Silver milk thistle is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Silver milk thistle? ›

How to save an overwatered Silver milk thistle? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Silver milk thistle?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Silybum eburneum thrives best with full sun exposure, receiving about 6 to 8 hours of light daily. This promotes healthy growth, vibrant leaves, and abundant flowering.

What is the best location for Silybum eburneum? ›

How to adjust the light exposure for my plant? ›

Does Silybum eburneum benefit from artificial lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Silver milk thistle?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for cultivating Silybum eburneum is between 60°F and 75°F. This range allows the plant to perform physiological processes effectively, promoting healthy growth and development. Maintaining temperatures within this range helps ensure optimal metabolic activity and nutrient uptake.

What Soil is Best for Silver milk thistle?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Silybum eburneum thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents waterlogging and root rot. Ensuring proper drainage is critical, as this plant prefers not to have 'wet feet'. It mimics the plant's natural Mediterranean habitats, promoting healthier growth and resilience. A soil of moderate fertility helps Silybum eburneum develop robust foliage without excessive leaf growth that might weaken the plant. It's essential to balance nutrients to encourage its beautiful flowering without promoting pests. While it can tolerate a range of pH levels, Silybum eburneum does best in slightly alkaline to neutral soil. This pH level ensures essential nutrients remain available to the plant, aiding in vigorous development and optimal health.

How to Fertilize Silver milk thistle?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Silybum eburneum, use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength. Applying around 1 tablespoon of liquid fertilizer diluted in 1 gallon of water should be sufficient for each application.

How to Prune Silver milk thistle?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by sterilizing your pruning shears to avoid spreading diseases. Identify dead or damaged stems, removing them close to the base to encourage healthy new growth. Trim back any overgrown branches to maintain a manageable size and shape. Keep the center open to enhance light penetration and airflow. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Silver milk thistle plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring, Early summer

Choose healthy, disease-free stems or seeds from a mature plant to ensure successful propagation. This step is crucial in avoiding infected or weak offspring.

Use a well-draining soil mix that retains enough moisture for growing plants. A mix of perlite, peat moss, and compost provides the ideal conditions for root development.

After planting seeds or cuttings, ensure consistent watering to maintain a moist environment. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Silver milk thistle plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Look for signs such as roots protruding from drainage holes, slow growth, or the soil drying out quicker than usual. These are indicators your Silybum eburneum needs a new home with fresh nutrients and more space to thrive.

Select a pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter. Ensure it has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root rot. A slightly bigger pot ensures enough space for root growth and better stability for the plant.

Use a well-draining loamy mix enhanced with organic matter. This soil retains moisture while allowing excess water to escape, mimicking natural conditions and promoting healthy root development and plant vigor.