A clump-forming, evergreen perennial with rosettes of toothed, oblong to ovate, grey-green leaves with wide, creamy-white margins, flushed pink when young, and, in summer, upright, branched stems bearing cone-like, purple to violet-blue flower-heads with conspicuous, spiny bracts.
Height 75cm (2.5ft), Spread 20cm (8in), 2-5 years to maturity.