Cynara scolymus
Botanical Name
Cynara scolymus
Hardiness
Zones 6 to 9, annual elsewhere
Height
3 to 6 feet
Width
2 to 4 feet
Flowers
Mid fall: violet (thistle-like)
Light
Full sun
Soil
Moist, well-drained, fertile
Planting and Care
Plant root divisions after last frost, space 2 to 3 feet apart in rows 2.5 to 3 feet apart; cut back and provide winter protection, divide every 3 years, plants usually don't flower their first year
Problems
Aphids
Varieties to Consider
'Violetto' - purple variety
'Imperial Star' - 3' tall
'Grande Buerre' - up to 9' tall
'Imperial Star' - 3' tall
'Grande Buerre' - up to 9' tall