Cynara cardunculus

Cardoon

Location

The Sunken Garden

Description:

A large, up to 2m, hardy perennial with striking silvery, thistle-like foliage. The tall flower stems are topped by fat thistle buds which resemble small globe artichokes that open into large purple thistles, in summer, which attract lots of bees; the dead flower-heads can be left on the plants and will provide an attractive feature over the winter months. An old Victorian favourite, once grown as a vegetable and blanched for use rather like celery,

Site and Care:

Grow in full sun and well-drained soil preferably alkaline. Propagate by seed or divide in spring