Artichoke Thistle Flower Photos And Plant Information

 Artichoke Thistle (Cynara cardunculus)

Also known as Cardoon or Wild Artichoke, this plant is closely related to the globe artichoke. It produces large, striking purple-blue thistle-like flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.

Key Features:

Family: Asteraceae

Type: Perennial herb

Height: 1.5–2 meters tall

Foliage: Silvery-green, deeply lobed leaves

Flower Size: Big globular flower heads with long colorful florets

Bloom Time: Late spring to summer

🌱 Growing Conditions:

Requirement Preference

Sunlight Full Sun

Soil Well-drained, moderately fertile

Water Low to moderate (drought-tolerant once established)

Climate Thrives in warm, Mediterranean climates

🌍 Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental — beautiful for landscape and cut flowers

Edible parts in some varieties (like the artichoke)

Extremely bee-friendly

Dried flower heads used in decoration

Can act as a structural accent plant in gardens