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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Cynara cardunculus Cardoon
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cardoon

A robust herbaceous perennial to 2.5m forming a clump of silvery-grey, pinnatifid, spiny leaves up to 1m in length. Large thistle-like purple flowers in late summer and autumn

Other common names
prickly artichoke
globe artichoke
Synonyms
Cynara cardunculus Cardoon
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer Purple Grey Silver
Autumn Purple Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Correct

Plant range
Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; shelter from strong winds. In very cold winters, apply a dry mulch

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame or propagate by division in spring or take root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Architectural
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut down flower stems as they emerge in summer if you want to grow it as a foliage plant

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and blackfly

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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