About
A tough herbaceous perennial to 2.5m forming a clump of silvery-grey, pinnatifid, spiny leaves up to 1m in length. Large thistle-like purple flowers in late summer and autumn.
About the genus
Cynara are robust thistle-like plants with grey-hairy, pinnately lobed leaves and globose purple flower-heads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Architectural
Native toMediterranean
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; shelter from strong winds. In very cold winters, apply a dry mulch
PruningCut down flower stems as they emerge in summer if you want to grow it as a foliage plant
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame or propagate by division in spring or take root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and blackfly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free