About
The buds open to thistle-like purple flowers in summer and autumn. An architectural perennial with grey-green leaves, grown for its edible, fleshy green flower bud scales that are produced on stems up to 1.8m tall. A hardy French cultivar with large green buds and excellent flavour. Suitable for ornamental flower garden.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-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 usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; shelter from strong winds. In very cold winters or more northern areas consider winter protection, apply a dry mulch such as bark or straw. See How to grow: globe artichokes for more details
PruningCut down flowered stems and old foliage in autumn when cropping is over
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to snails, slugs and blackfly (black aphid)
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free