Cardoon

Cynara cardunculus

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Overview

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) is a striking perennial thistle that adds structure and texture with its towering stature, reaching 3-6 feet high and 2-4 feet wide. Its silvery-green, deeply lobed leaves and bold, purple-flowered thistle heads create a dramatic spectacle in late summer to fall. Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it's drought-tolerant once established. Use as a focal point or architectural backdrop in Mediterranean or water-wise gardens.

Sun FullWater MediumZones 8–10

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it's drought-tolerant once established

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — deeply lobed leaves and bold

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — purple-flowered thistle heads create a dramatic spectacle in late summer to fall

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Use as a focal point or architectural backdrop in Mediterranean or water-wise gardens

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it's drought-tolerant once established

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — the Cardoon produces captivating

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — scientifically referred to as Cynara cardunculus

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Medium
USDA zones: 8–10

Shape & size

Mature height: 5–6 Ft.
Mature width: 2–3 Ft.

Classification

Family: Asteraceae

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Photos (93)

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — reaching 3-6 feet high and 2-4 feet wide

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — deeply lobed leaves and bold

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — purple-flowered thistle heads create a dramatic spectacle in late summer to fall

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Use as a focal point or architectural backdrop in Mediterranean or water-wise gardens

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it's drought-tolerant once established

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — the Cardoon produces captivating

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — scientifically referred to as Cynara cardunculus

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — is an imposing perennial plant hailed for its culinary and ornamental value

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Often confused with its cousin

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — the Cardoon stands out with its striking

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — extending an impressive 20 to 24 inches in length

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — This architectural specimen reaches a stately height of 3 to 6 feet and spans 2 to 4 feet wide

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — this plant can tolerate short periods of cold down to 15°F (-9.4°C)

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Admirers should be cautious as the stems are armed with small spines

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — For optimal growth, the Cardoon prefers full sun exposure and thrives in well-drained soils

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Regular maintenance includes cutting back spent flower heads to encourage a tidy appearance

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — offering an eye-catching display

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — thistle-like purple flowers atop stems that may soar as high as 6 to 8 feet

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — perennial / vegetable with purple blooms

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — perennial / vegetable for full

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — reaching 3-6 feet high and 2-4 feet wide; preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it's drought-tolerant once established

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — deeply lobed leaves and bold; this architectural specimen reaches a stately height of 3 to 6 feet and spans 2 to 4 feet wide

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — purple-flowered thistle heads create a dramatic spectacle in late summer to fall; this plant can tolerate short periods of cold

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