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Cynara cardunculus
cardoon
Huge, purple, thistle-like flowers from June to September held above enormous clumps of deeply-cut, silvery-green leaves. Cynara cardunculus is a...
3 × 9cm pots
available to order from autumn
9cm pot
available to order from autumn
6 × 9cm pots
available to order from autumn
2 litre pot
available to order from autumn
3 × 2 litre pots
available to order from autumn
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Plant description
Huge, purple, thistle-like flowers from June to September held above enormous clumps of deeply-cut, silvery-green leaves.
Cynara cardunculus is a magnificent and architectural plant, that's perfect towards the back of a mixed or herbaceous border.
Cynara cardunculus is a magnificent and architectural plant, that's perfect towards the back of a mixed or herbaceous border.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Cynara cardunculus:
Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, ideally in a location sheltered from strong winds. Cardoons thrive in nutrient-rich soil, so adding compost or well-rotted manure at planting time can help establish strong growth.
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. In autumn, leave the faded flower heads intact as they add winter interest and provide some structural beauty in the garden.
To protect the crown, apply a dry mulch, such as straw, during the winter months, which will also help insulate the plant from frost. Prune back any dead stems in early spring to encourage fresh new growth.
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. In autumn, leave the faded flower heads intact as they add winter interest and provide some structural beauty in the garden.
To protect the crown, apply a dry mulch, such as straw, during the winter months, which will also help insulate the plant from frost. Prune back any dead stems in early spring to encourage fresh new growth.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
