Cynara scolymus (Globe Artichoke)
Cynara scolymus (Globe Artichoke)
150 (200)cm, Globe Artichoke is probably a cultivar from the wild Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon Artichoke). The name is derived from Arabic "Ardi Choke" meaning "earth spine" and has been cultivated in the Arabic world (and later on by the Greek and Romans) for thousand of years. The still closed flower head (except for the straw-like florets) are cooked and used as a vegetable. It makes a most ornamental perennial with large, thistle-like, silvery-grey foliage and tall stems with a terminal, broad, bright purple flower head. 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. VII-VIII.More Details »