Cynara cardunculus

Cynara cardunculus is an exciting newcomer which bears huge, thistle-like flowers on robust stems above silvery foliage from August to October for an astounding impact in the garden. Leaves also have thistle-like form and appear on long, strong, arching stems from March onwards to make a magnificent feature plant even before the arrival of the flowers. A frequently grown favourite of the Victorians, who would blanch and eat this as a vegetable, Cynara cardunculus is now a feature in show gardens and much-loved as a theatrical statement in borders, wildlife and jungle gardens. Flower stems can be cut for a vase, either fresh or dried, although if left over winter they provide valuable sustenance to birds (and are a favourite of finches). Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding performance. As a drought tolerant beauty, Cynara cardunculus prefers well-drained soil in full sun with any aspect other than north facing. A hardy, herbaceous perennials which reaches up to 1.5m in height and spreads as much as 2m.