A fine Thistle-like plant, 3 ft. high, with deeply cut spiny leaves, and stout spikes of tubular pink and crimson flowers from June to September. Other kinds are betonicoides, 1½ ft., rose purple; and Coulteriana, 1½ ft., pale yellow. They are natives of the Himalayas, and require warm sheltered spots in the border or rockery. They are best raised from seeds sown under glass.