Cynara cardunculus Scolymus Group
globe artichoke
Large, architectural perennials up to 1.5m tall and 1m wide, with large, silvery grey-green leaves. Grown for their edible flower buds, but ornamental enough for the flower garden. Green, scaly buds open to thistle-like purple flowers in summer and autumn. Many varieties of globe artichokes are available, varying in plant and bud size and bud colour
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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 very cold winters apply a dry mulch. For more advice, follow globe-artichokes cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Cut flowers
- Wall side borders
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down in autumn when cropping is over
Pests
May be susceptible to snails, slugs and blackfly (black aphid) when young
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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