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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 8–10Type Perennial, Vegetable
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9; 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

Type
Perennial, Vegetable
Family
Asteraceae

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Photos (113)

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 68
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Often confused with its cousin
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Admirers should be cautious as the stems are armed with small spines; offering an eye-catching display, image 59
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Often confused with its cousin; the Cardoon stands out with its striking, image 74
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 45
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) — thistle-like purple flowers atop stems that may soar as high as 6 to 8 feet
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) — Regular maintenance includes cutting back spent flower heads to encourage a tidy appearance
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — purple flowers in the garden; use as a focal point or architectural backdrop in Mediterranean or water-wise gardens, image 64
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it's drought-tolerant once established; purple-flowered thistle heads, image 92
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — Often confused with its cousin; the Cardoon stands out with its striking
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) — offering an eye-catching display; is an imposing perennial plant hailed for its culinary and ornamental value
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) — extending an impressive 20 to 24 inches in length; reaching 3-6 feet high and 2-4 feet wide
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 stands out with its striking; for optimal growth, the Cardoon prefers full sun exposure and thrives in well-drained
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) — For optimal growth, the Cardoon prefers full sun exposure and thrives in well-drained soils; perennial / vegetable, image 60
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — offering an eye-catching display; is an imposing perennial plant hailed for its culinary and ornamental value, image 80
Cynara cardunculus
Cynara cardunculus
Cynara cardunculus
Photographs by 11 contributors

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