- Cynara cardunculus was a favourite with the Victorians, who grew it as a vegetable. Now it is loved for being a dramatic focal point in the garden and works well in a gravel, coastal or large wildflower garden or in a sunny border
- It makes a great cut flower - fresh or dried
- The dead flowerheads can be left on the plants to provide additional interest in winter, and also provides seeds for birds
- It attracts bees and other pollinators
- The Royal Horticultural Society have given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
What you need to know:
- Plant Type: Deciduous, upright, hardy perennial
- Flowers: Large purple thistle flowers June to September
- Height: 1.5-2.5m (5-8’)
- Spread: 1-1.5m (3-5’)
- Position: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well drained, loam, chalk or sand
Caring for your plant:
- Where temperatures fall below -15°C (5°F) protect the crown of the plant with a dry, straw mulch
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame or propagate by division in spring or take root cuttings in winter
- Cut down flower stems as they emerge in summer if you want to grow it as a foliage plant
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