Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon Artichoke)
Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon Artichoke)
140 (170)cm, Cardoon Artichoke is most likely the wild ancestor of the widely cultivated Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus). It is an ornamental stout perennial from the south-eastern Mediterranean region used in several medical products. It makes an impressive stem crowned by a thistle-like, broad, lavender-purple, spiny flower head above large, deeply cut grayish green leaves in a dense basal rosette. For any rich, very well drained, preferably slightly rocky soil in a protected spot in full sun. In colder climates an insulating dry mulch layer as protection is recommended in winter. Seeds from savaged populations in the southern parts of La Gomera, Spain. VIII-IX.More Details »