Common name:Artichoke
Botanical name:Cynara scolymus
This perennial will grow 4' tall and 6'-8' wide. It has silvery green leaves with bluish purple flowers that bloom in spring. Artichoke is a favorite fruit/vegetable of California kitchens but it is a great ornamental plant often overlooked for color contrast. It is very tolerant of little water when planted for ornamental purposes.
Designer: | Big Artichoke Hearts |
Photographer: CLWA |
Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.
Apply as little fertilizer as possible.
If you use fertilizer make sure it stays on the landscape, and carefully water it in so there is NO runoff.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.