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Herbaceous Perennial

Cynara cardunculus (Scolymus Group) 'Violet Globe'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

globe artichoke 'Violet Globe'

An upright perennial to around 1.5m tall with spiny, grey-green leaves and rounded heads of edible, purple flowerbuds. Buds open to purple, thistle-like flowers from late summer into autumn

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 Green
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
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

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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wall side borders
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
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

Get involved

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