Cardoon
Cynara cardunculus
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 18, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Cardoon
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) is a bold Mediterranean perennial relative of the artichoke, grown for its dramatic silvery-grey arching foliage and tall spikes of violet thistle-like flowers in summer. Hardy in NE Florida zone 9b, it dies back briefly after flowering before re-sprouting. Best harvest of edible stalks occurs in cooler fall and winter months. Starting at $2.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Herbaceous perennial (dies back briefly after flowering, then re-sprouts; behaves as semi-evergreen in NE FL 9b)
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Alkaline, Well-drained
Care essentials
Requires full sun — at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In NE Florida's heat and humidity, good air circulation around the plant is important to minimize fungal disease risk.
Keep soil evenly moist while establishing; mature plants tolerate brief dry periods but produce best foliage with consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogged conditions. NE Florida's summer rains are generally adequate with occasional supplemental watering in dry spells.
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with good vertical depth for the taproot. Amend NE Florida's sandy soils generously with compost. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring; ensure good spacing for airflow to reduce humidity-related fungal issues common in Florida summers.
Similar needs
Buttonwood
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
Carolina Wolfberry
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Elderberry
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
Fiddlewood
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
Golden Rain Tree
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
Ligustrum
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
Common questions
Is Cardoon a good plant for St. Augustine?
Cardoon is a plant for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 5-8 ft (flower stalks to 8 ft; foliage clump 4-5 ft) × 4-6 ft.