Cynara cardunculus | Globe Artichoke
DESCRIPTION
Cynara cardunculus, commonly known as globe artichoke, is a striking ornamental and edible perennial known for its bold, gray-green foliage and impressive thistle-like flowers. Blooming in mid to late summer, it produces tall, spiky flower heads with vibrant purple, tubular florets that resemble large artichokes. These dramatic flowers rise above the deeply lobed, arching leaves, creating a stunning architectural presence in the garden.
Native to the Mediterranean region, Cynara cardunculus has long been valued both for its ornamental appeal and its use in cooking, with its young stems and leaf stalks traditionally harvested for culinary purposes. The plant’s dramatic size and unique texture make it a popular choice in both ornamental and edible garden landscapes, adding a bold Mediterranean flair.
DESCRIPTION
Cynara cardunculus, commonly known as globe artichoke, is a striking ornamental and edible perennial known for its bold, gray-green foliage and impressive thistle-like flowers. Blooming in mid to late summer, it produces tall, spiky flower heads with vibrant purple, tubular florets that resemble large artichokes. These dramatic flowers rise above the deeply lobed, arching leaves, creating a stunning architectural presence in the garden.
Native to the Mediterranean region, Cynara cardunculus has long been valued both for its ornamental appeal and its use in cooking, with its young stems and leaf stalks traditionally harvested for culinary purposes. The plant’s dramatic size and unique texture make it a popular choice in both ornamental and edible garden landscapes, adding a bold Mediterranean flair.
DESCRIPTION
Cynara cardunculus, commonly known as globe artichoke, is a striking ornamental and edible perennial known for its bold, gray-green foliage and impressive thistle-like flowers. Blooming in mid to late summer, it produces tall, spiky flower heads with vibrant purple, tubular florets that resemble large artichokes. These dramatic flowers rise above the deeply lobed, arching leaves, creating a stunning architectural presence in the garden.
Native to the Mediterranean region, Cynara cardunculus has long been valued both for its ornamental appeal and its use in cooking, with its young stems and leaf stalks traditionally harvested for culinary purposes. The plant’s dramatic size and unique texture make it a popular choice in both ornamental and edible garden landscapes, adding a bold Mediterranean flair.
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Family: Asteraceae
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Width: 3 to 4 feet
Foliage color: Gray-green, deeply lobed leaves
Flower color: Purple thistle-like blooms
Bloom time: Mid-summer to late summer
Light requirements: Full sun
Water requirements: Moderate; prefers well-drained soil, drought-tolerant once established
Maintenance: Low; cut back in fall after flowering
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife attractors: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinatorsThis plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
