Cynara baetica var. marrocana

Moroccan artichoke thistle Asteraceae

A superb, silvery-leaved Moroccan thistle with the architectural presence of a globe artichoke but a rather more wild and elegant character. The deeply divided, grey-green foliage forms a substantial rosette, from which rise sturdy flowering stems topped with rich lilac flowerheads surrounded by strongly spined, purple-tinged bracts. It flowers from July to September, making a dramatic late-season feature for a dry, sunny border. 

Native to the Rif and Middle Atlas mountains of northern and north-central Morocco, it grows at roughly 900–2,100m, in open fields and meadows on predominantly calcareous soils. The plant is therefore accustomed to strong sunlight, summer dryness and relatively lean conditions. 

Drought tolerance: Excellent once established — particularly in free-draining, alkaline soil. Avoid permanently wet winter conditions.

Height: 100–150cm
Spread: 75–100cm
Flowers: July–September
Hardiness: H5–H6, approximately −15 to −10°C, provided winter drainage is good.

Taxonomic note: the plant is currently treated by Kew as Cynara baetica subsp. maroccana Wiklund, although research has argued that the Moroccan plants deserve species rank as Cynara hystrix Ball. 

A magnificent plant for the dry garden — all the drama of an artichoke, but with considerably less expectation that you are going to eat it.