Cynara cardunculus - 'Cardy' (Cardoon)

Type	Herbaceous flower, Herb, Culinary, Deciduous, Flowering
Form	Spiky Foliage / Spiky Upright Form, Architectural Form
Size	Medium Border Plant (50-180cm height)
Colours	Blue-silver Flowers (Summer), Grey-silver Foliage
Care	Some Maintenance Required
Hardiness	Frost Hardy, Drought Tolerant
Growth	Fast Growing Plant
Earmark this plant

Cardoon produces impressive rosettes of silver architectural foliage which die back each year. Tall flower spikes produce branchlets, each of which terminate in a large blue / purple thistle like flowers through out summer. 1.5m tall x .6m

Cultivation notes: Cardoon will flourish in any well drained soil, especially chalky soils. Preferring a position in full sun - ideal for a hot, dry south facing border.

Plant Strengths: Sun loving draught tolerant plant; Spiney growth can deter unwanted visitors! Attracts wildlife to feed or nest; Architectural plant – ideal as a ‘stand out’ plant; Fruit / berry producing; Tolerates full sun and sandy, drought-prone soils.

Plant Weaknesses: Spiney plant - can scratch young children and gardeners!