CYNARA scolymus

Handsome grey foliage with large blue thistle-like flowers

Further Reading....

Blue
Height - 2m (6½ft)
Spread - 1.2m (4ft)
Herbaceous - Early in the year, typically January till end of March, herbaceous plants might be supplied in 9cm pots to ensure timely despatch. - clump forming thistle-like perennial. Leaves to 80cm (32in) long with pointed segments, grey-hairy above, densely white-woolly beneath. Flower heads 8-15cm (3-6in) across.
Hardy - average winter - Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
Full sun - shelter from strong winds.
Additional Features - Good to know - - flower heads, in bud, are eaten as a vegetable. Wildlife plant - insects.
Pests & Diseases - slugs, aphids, grey mould.
Place of origin - origin unknown. A horticulturally distinct variant of C. cardunculus.
Garden Location/Conditions - Coastal / windswept -
Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -
Seasonal Interest - Autumn -
Soil Conditions - Fertile well drained soil -
Wildlife - Bee friendly -
Butterfly friendly
Rabbit Resistant