Cardoon (Artichoke Thistle)

Inspired by our visit to the Botanical Gardens of Birmingham in July 2023, we are thrilled to offer bare roots Cardoon (Artichoke Thistle) to UK gardeners. Captivated by its grandeur and elegance, we couldn't resist including this beautiful variety in our assortment of spring-planted bulbs and bare roots.

Introduce a touch of regal elegance to your garden with our Artichoke Thistle. This magnificent perennial plant, also known by the botanical name Cynara cardunculus, boasts striking silver-green foliage with deeply serrated leaves that resemble artichoke leaves.

Native to the Mediterranean region, the Cardoon has a long history as both a culinary delight and a stately ornamental plant. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Cardoon offers delightful purple thistle-like flowers that attract pollinators, creating a vibrant and dynamic garden display.

Perfectly suited for UK gardens, the Cardoon is a hardy and resilient plant that can withstand various weather conditions. Its sturdy root system ensures successful establishment and growth, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels.

Plant our bare roots Cardoon in well-draining soil and a sunny spot in your garden for best results. With a little care and attention, this architectural beauty will thrive and become a focal point in your landscape.

The exquisite allure of the flower buds may not tempt your taste buds, but their stunning beauty is undeniable. Grown primarily for their enchanting purple-blue hue and shimmering silvery leaves, reaching heights of up to five feet tall. On rare occasions, a cardoon plant might surprise with delicate white blooms, yet it's the silvery foliage that steals the spotlight in any garden.

Renowned horticultural writer Graham Stuart Thomas described the cardoon as the "most resplendent of all silverlings," according to The Telegraph. However, a word of caution: once planted, cardoons flourish like unstoppable wildlings, demanding careful attention to their growth.

Grow globe artichokes in spring in a warm, sunny, sheltered site in moist but well-drained soil. Give them plenty of space to grow – they reach a height of around 1.5m tall and a spread of around 60cm.

Please note: Our Cardoon bare root plants will be shipped at the optimal planting time for your convenience which is spring. Get ready to witness the grandeur of this majestic perennial gracing your outdoor space!

Learn how to grow Cardoon (Artichoke Thistle) bare roots