Cynara cardunculusCardoon, Prickly artichoke, Globe artichoke

Once a cherished feature of Victorian kitchen gardens, Cynara cardunculus has now emerged as a stunning ornamental plant, adding dramatic flair to the garden border. With its striking silvery-grey, deeply lobed leaves, this plant creates substantial mounds that offer texture and colour throughout the growing season. From the heart of the clump, sturdy, towering stems rise, crowned with artichoke-like flower heads from June onwards. By late summer, the large, scaly buds unfurl into bold purple, thistle-like flowers that draw attention from across the garden. If left on the plant, the dried flower heads continue to provide visual interest through the winter months, particularly against the backdrop of frosty mornings. This plant is ideal for larger borders due to its expansive size—its foliage forms clumps that can stretch over a metre in diameter. In spacious gardens, it serves as a dramatic centerpiece, offering a striking contrast to the softer, rounded forms of neighbouring perennials. Even after other plants have died back, Cynara cardunculus continues to provide structure and seasonal appeal. It’s also a superb plant for wildlife, attracting pollinators with its thistle-like blooms and providing food for birds such as finches that enjoy raiding the dried seed heads. The flower heads also make a bold and eye-catching addition to floral displays indoors. Awarded the RHS Garden Merit, this plant reaches a height of 1.5-2m (4.9-6.5ft) with a spread of 1.2m (4ft). As plant size can vary seasonally, we list by pot size rather than a fixed plant size, so the plant’s size upon delivery may differ, with images shown as a general indication only. A spectacular feature plant with mounds of huge, silvery-grey, deeply cut leaves and towering stems topped with artichoke-like, purple flower heads from June onwards. Grow in freely draining fertile soil in full sun with shelter from strong winds. Provide sturdy support stakes early in spring as growth is rapid. Plants growing in colder regions benefit from a dry winter mulch.