Cynara cardunculus
Best architectural plant for adding dramatic flair to garden landscapes.
The famed cardoon, aka Cynara cardunculus, makes a dramatic winter evergreen statement in the sunny perennial border with its 3-4' long, arching, ghost-like, jagged, soft-grey foliage. Once the 4' wide drought-loving clumps are established, they are topped with 6' tall stalks of blue-violet, thistle-like flowers in late summer. After flowering, cardoons die to the ground for a month-long rest before re-sprouting. For a striking, bold-textured accent plant, you can't beat cardoon! Cardoon, which sounds more like a mythical place in Scotland than a plant, was chosen by the Royal Horticultural Society as one of the top 200 plants of the last 200 years. Cynara cardunculus is actually an ornamental form of the edible artichoke. Best results will be found in well-drained soils that stay on the dry side in winter.
$22.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 3269
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-20%
Below average
Zones
79
/ b to b
Who it's for
- Gardeners desiring bold, unique visual impact
- Home gardeners seeking beauty and culinary adventure
- Eco-conscious gardeners in dry regions
Who should skip it
- Busy cooks preferring low-maintenance edibles
- Meticulous gardeners or those in mild climates
- Small-space gardeners or those with curious pets
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Dramatic architectural foliage creates an unmatched focal point in any garden.
Drought Resilience
Thrives in dry conditions once the root system is fully established.
Wildlife Appeal
Thistle-like blooms serve as a magnet for local pollinators and butterflies.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits from grazing on your landscape investment.
Maintenance Ease
Requires specific soil drainage and seasonal dormancy management for best results.
Versatility
Functions beautifully as a bold accent or a striking container thriller.
Key Specs
Zones
7b to 9b
Dormancy
Summer
Height
36" tall
Culture
Sun
Origin
Morocco
Pot Size
3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Flower Color
Blue, Purple/Lavender
Leaf Color
Green, Silver/Grey
Features
- Dramatic evergreen foliage
- Striking blue-violet thistle-like flowers
- Drought-loving once established
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Attracts butterflies and pollinators
- Ornamental form of edible artichoke
- Bold-textured accent plant
- Suitable for containers
What customers say
Customers consistently express high satisfaction with the exceptional quality and robust health of the Cynara cardunculus plants received from Plant Delights. Many reviewers commend the plant's vigorous growth and ease of establishment, quickly becoming a striking focal point in their gardens. The unique architectural form and impressive foliage are frequently highlighted, underscoring its significant ornamental value and reliable performance. This consistent positive feedback emphasizes both the superior plant stock and its aesthetic contribution.
Know before you buy
It is an ornamental relative of the edible artichoke. While they share a similar appearance, this variety is primarily grown for its dramatic, silver-grey foliage and architectural presence rather than for culinary harvest.
These plants grow quite large, reaching up to 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width. Ensure you provide enough room in your border to accommodate their wide, arching foliage.
Yes, after its late summer bloom, the plant typically dies back to the ground for a brief rest period of about a month. It will re-sprout once this cycle is complete, so don't be alarmed if the foliage disappears temporarily.
Cardoon is considered deer and rabbit resistant. Its jagged, thistle-like texture and foliage generally deter browsing animals, making it a reliable choice for gardens prone to wildlife pressure.
Yes, it works beautifully as a 'thriller' plant in large containers. Just ensure the pot has excellent drainage, as the plant prefers drier soil conditions, especially during the winter months.
The most critical factor is well-drained soil. Because this plant is drought-tolerant once established, it performs best in sites that stay on the dry side, particularly throughout the winter to prevent root rot.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$22