Overview
Cynara cardunculus is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Cynara, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Cynara cardunculus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, architectural, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, cut flowers, wall side borders and flower borders and beds. It is native to Morocco and Algeria.
About
The cardoon, also called the artichoke thistle, is a thistle in the family Asteraceae. It is a naturally occurring species that also has many cultivated forms, including the globe artichoke.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cardoon
About the genus
Cynara is a genus of thistle-like perennial plants in the family Asteraceae. They are native to the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, northwestern Africa, and the Canary Islands. The genus name comes from the Greek kynara, which means "artichoke".
Wikipedia contributors, "Cynara", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cynara
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cynara
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cynara cardunculus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Cut flowers, Wall side borders, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Morocco, Algeria
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cynara cardunculus
- Cultivation
- Requires full sun and well-drained soil; benefits from regular watering and feeding; protect from strong winds
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves; cut back after flowering to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Blackfly
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cynara cardunculus?
Requires full sun and well-drained soil; benefits from regular watering and feeding; protect from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Cynara cardunculus?
Cynara cardunculus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cynara cardunculus need?
Cynara cardunculus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Cynara cardunculus?
Remove dead or damaged leaves; cut back after flowering to encourage new growth.
How big does Cynara cardunculus grow?
Cynara cardunculus reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Cynara cardunculus hardy in the UK?
Cynara cardunculus has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Cynara cardunculus?
Seed, Division.
More in the Cynara genus
Browse all Cynara →
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