Cynara cardunculus

This spectacular feature plant was once confined to the Victorian vegetable garden, but Cynara cardunculus is now valued as magnificent ornamental plant that makes a striking impression in the border.

Great mounds of huge, silvery-grey, deeply cut leaves provide strong textural interest and colour throughout the season. From the centre of the clump rise thick, towering stems topped with artichoke-like flower heads from June onwards. In late summer, the large, scaly buds burst into purple, thistle-like flowers, commanding attention over the border.  If left on the plant, the dried flowerheads continue to provide interest throughout the winter and look fabulous on frosty mornings.

This is not a plant for a small border -  the huge clumps of foliage occupy at least a metre in diameter - but in a large border it makes a theatrical centrepiece, providing a dramatic counterpoint to the lower rounded masses of adjacent perennials. It continues to provide strong structure and interest throughout the winter when other plants have died back. Cynara cardunculus is also a brilliant plant for wildlife – the thistly flowers are a magnet for beneficial pollinators whilst birds such as finches will often raid the dried seed heads. The flowerheads make a bold addition to indoor vase displays. RHS Award of Garden Merit. Height: 1.5-2m (4.9-6.5ft). Spread: 1.2m (4ft).

Plant height and spread is seasonal therefore we list by pot size rather than a defined plant size. The height and spread of the plant delivered will vary depending on the season, meaning arrival images are an indication only.