Product Details
With steel-gray, spiked leaves resembling Acanthus, Cardoon is an imposing plant and makes an attractive feature in containers with annuals. Our variety, Cynara cardunculus 'Porto Spineless,' is without the prickly spines typical of the species. It is perennial in Zones 7-10, where, late in the season, a central stem forms with flower buds resembling small artichokes.
Cynara is a genus of about 10 species in the Daisy family. The Artichokes, or Chokes, are immature flower buds.
For more information on growing Cynara, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
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They won't stop growing! 
Sean Stewart from Southern California
3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Do you? yes no Certified buyer
planted in same area, different success? 
A viewer from Minneapolis, MN
19 of 20 people found this review helpful. Do you? yes no Certified buyer
Growing guide
Latin Name Pronunciation: sih-nar'-ah
The species in this genus of thistle-like perennials include Cynara scolymus (the edible Globe Artichoke) as well as C. cardunculus 'Porto Spineless'. The silver-gray, serrated foliage of the spineless variety makes a dramatic statement in borders or containers and attracts beneficial insects. Its violet-blue flower heads with spiny bracts develop branched, wooly stems the second year in the garden (where hardy) and can be picked for fresh or dry arrangements.
Light/Watering: Full sun. Water thoroughly after planting, and then, give a new plant a good soaking once a week during summer, unless rainfall is plentiful (more than 1in per week). Established plants are drought resistant.
Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Average garden soil. We recommend against fertilizing at planting time and during the first growing season in your garden. Plants need time to settle in before being pushed to grow. Most established plants grow best if fertilized with a light hand. We fertilize perennials just once--in early spring--with a light but even coverage of a balanced, granular fertilizer (such 10-10-10 or an organic fertilizer). If a concentrated, water-soluble fertilizer is used, please follow the manufacturers' recommendations carefully.
Continuing Care: Foliage is improved if flower stems are cut off as they appear. Protect from strong winds. In the colder extent of its Zone 7 range, apply a dry winter mulch of pine needles. Slugs and aphids can be a problem.
