Cynara cardunculus (Scolymus Group) 'Violetto di Chioggia'
A large, architectural perennial with grey-green leaves, grown for its edible, but also very attractive, fleshy, purple-green flower bud scales that are produced on stems up to 1.8m tall. The buds open to thistle-like purple flowers in summer and autumn. Suitable for ornamental flower garden
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 | Green Purple | 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
Unresolved
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
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut down flowered stems and old foliage in autumn when cropping is over
Pests
May be susceptible to snails, slugs and blackfly (black aphid)
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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