Cynara cardunculus
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
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–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
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
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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