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

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) — Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it's drought-tolerant once established; purple-flowered thistle heads, image 70

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — This architectural specimen reaches a stately height of 3 to 6 feet and spans 2 to 4 feet wide; often confused with, image 77

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — extending an impressive 20 to 24 inches in length; reaching 3-6 feet high and 2-4 feet wide, image 76

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Often confused with its cousin; the Cardoon stands out with its striking, image 74

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — the Cardoon stands out with its striking; for optimal growth, the Cardoon prefers full sun exposure and thrives in, image 75

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Admirers should be cautious as the stems are armed with small spines; offering an eye-catching display, image 81

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — the Cardoon produces captivating; admirers should be cautious as the stems are armed with small spines, image 78

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — thistle-like purple flowers atop stems that may soar as high as 6 to 8 feet; perennial / vegetable for full, image 79

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — offering an eye-catching display; is an imposing perennial plant hailed for its culinary and ornamental value, image 80

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — For optimal growth, the Cardoon prefers full sun exposure and thrives in well-drained soils; perennial / vegetable, image 82

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — perennial / vegetable with purple blooms; the Cardoon produces captivating, image 87

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — purple flowers in the garden; use as a focal point or architectural backdrop in Mediterranean or water-wise gardens, image 86

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — perennial / vegetable for full; regular maintenance includes cutting back spent flower heads to encourage a tidy, image 88

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9; scientifically referred to as Cynara cardunculus, image 83

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — this plant can tolerate short periods of cold down to 15°F (-9.4°C); thistle-like purple flowers atop stems, image 84

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Regular maintenance includes cutting back spent flower heads to encourage a tidy appearance; purple flowers in the, image 85

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Use as a focal point or architectural backdrop in Mediterranean or water-wise gardens; extending an impressive 20 to, image 93

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, image 89

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, image 90

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — purple-flowered thistle heads create a dramatic spectacle in late summer to fall; this plant can tolerate short, image 91

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it's drought-tolerant once established; purple-flowered thistle heads, image 92

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