Opera Artichoke

Scientific Name: Cynara cardunculus (Scolymus Group) 'Opera'

Plant type

perennial, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 3'-4'

planting zones

8a-11

More Options

Opera Artichoke plant details

Opera Artichoke is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial fruit / vegetable with blue and green foliage. In summer lavender flowers emerge followed by green and purple fruit. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opera Artichoke

Plant type: perennial fruit / vegetable
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender blooms in summer
Uses: culinary, edible, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opera Artichoke

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A new reason for you to grow your own artichokes! Not only is 'Opera' drought tolerant, supremely easy to grow (they are giant thistles after all!) tasty and highly architectural, this much sought after new variety bears stand-out, ornamental, violet-red heads! To 3 - 4’ tall and across, the primary heads are 4 - 5” across followed by smaller secondary heads. Not fussy about soil, but best performance with compost added. Deer resistant!