#globeartichoke

Plant of the Day

Saturday 15 July 2023

This wide range of Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke) forms were grown from seed and show how variable they can be. The edible flower buds, produced over the summer months, can differ in shape and colour. This edible, perennial plant is highly ornamental, with big, jagged, silvery leaves and tall flower stems topped with large globe-shaped buds that have purple flowers like giant thistles.

Plant of the Day

Saturday 14 November 2020

The seed heads of herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses look great in the autumn sunshine. Here the grey foreground verticals are the old flower stalks of Salvia × sylvestris 'Blauhügel' (wood sage), the drama is provided by the giant Cynara cardunculus (globe artichoke) and a shimmering background is provided by Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' (tufted hair grass).

Plant of the Day

Sunday 19 July 2020

Described as being able to add “a theatrical touch to the border” is the Mediterranean species Cynara cardunculus (globe artichoke, cardoon). This large and vigorous herbaceous perennial can reach 2.5m, forming a clump of silvery-grey leaves up to 1m in length. The flowers are on tall stems and emerge from large buds, the purple thistle flowers attract bees and the seeds are appreciated by flocks of finches.

Plant of the Day

Sunday 18 August 2019

Ready for sale in the shop fleshly harvested flower buds of Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke) at Cambo Walled Garden, Fife, Scotland. These are boiled or steamed until they are tender, then the scales are removed one by one, dipped into melted butter or vinaigrette and the juicy flesh from each scale is eaten. This large architectural, herbaceous perennial looks good in the productive or ornamental garden but needs space. Plants can be seed raised but cultivars propagated from division of suckers are generally considered to have a better flavour.