Cynara cardunculus (Scolymus Group) 'Vert Globe'
cardoon 'Vert Globe'
A 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
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Green | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Cynara are robust thistle-like plants with grey-hairy, pinnately lobed leaves and globose purple flower-heads
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut down flowered stems and old foliage in autumn when cropping is over
Pests
May be susceptible snails, slugs and blackfly (black aphid)
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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