About
This architectural perennial to around 1.2m tall with grey-green foliage with few spines. Purple thistle-like flowers open from midsummer into autumn. Each plant can produce up to eight, uniform artichokes comprising rounded heads of green flowerbuds with a sweet flavour and tender texture.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-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 usesWildlife gardens, Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; shelter from strong winds. In very cold winters apply a dry mulch. For more advice, follow globe-artichokes cultivation
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) when young
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free