Glorious Cynara adds contrast

ADDING a structural plant to a perennial border adds great textural contrast. Repeating the planting throughout the border creates a defining design feature.

A magnificent plant is used to this effect near the entrance of Dunedin Botanic Garden: Cynara cardunculus or cardoon plant. The leaves alone warrant a spot in any large garden.

This striking and robust perennial is fastgrowing and forms a large clump, so allow room. New leaves emerge from the centre of the plant throughout the season and older leaves tend to lie down on the ground where they can become matted and smother adjacent plants. To maintain a more vaselike shape, remove the older leaves as they flop.

The bold, large silvery grey spiny leaves can grow up to 1m long. Towering above the foliage in late summer are large, round, thistlelike purple flowers. When picked just before opening, they will open fully in water then remain expanded if dried for a winter display indoors.

Although related to globe artichoke, this particular species of Cynara is grown mostly for its looks. Unopened flower heads and the heart are edible, but not that palatable.

Native to the welldrained sunny slopes of the southwest Mediterranean, this perennial loves its location in the sunny long herbaceous border in the lower botanic garden. Adding a slight Mediterranean feel to the border, it contrasts well with surrounding perennials.

Garden Life is produced by Dunedin Botanic Garden. For further information contact Linda Hellyer.