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Herbaceous Perennial

Cynara cardunculus (Scolymus Group) 'Romanesco'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

globe artichoke 'Romanesco'

An architectural perennial up to 2m tall with silvery-grey to green divided leaves and edible, purple-flushed, greyish-green flowerbuds held in rounded heads which open to purple, thistle-like flowerheads from summer into autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Purple Grey Silver Green
Autumn Purple Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Cynara are robust thistle-like plants with grey-hairy, pinnately lobed leaves and globose purple flower-heads

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; shelter from strong winds. In very cold winters apply a dry mulch. For more advice, follow globe-artichokes cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Cut down flowered stems and old foliage in autumn when cropping is over

Pests

May be susceptible to snails, slugs and blackfly (black aphid) when young

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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