Cynara cardunculus (Scolymus Group) 'Romanesco'
globe artichoke 'Romanesco'
An architectural perennial up to 2m tall with silvery-grey to green divided leaves and edible, purple-flushed, greyish-green flowerbuds held in rounded heads which open to purple, thistle-like flowerheads from summer into autumn
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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–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
| 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
Unresolved
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
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- 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) when young
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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