About
This large, architectural perennial with grey-green leaves, grown for its edible, fleshy, green flower bud scales that are produced on stems up to 1.7m tall. The buds open to thistle-like purple flowers in summer and autumn. 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 typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; shelter from strong winds. In 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 snails, slugs and blackfly (black aphid)
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free