Cynara hystrix
(syn. Cynara baetica ssp. maroccana)

From Morocco comes this unusual, small-scale artichoke relative. Growing only to 18” tall, with dramatic, narrow, spiny (intruder alert!), gray-green leaves, it bears in Spring to Summer, incredibly beautiful, purple, thistle-style flowers surrounded by magenta, spine-tipped bracts. Great cut flower! Easy, not fussy about soil, deer proof, bug proof & drought tolerant. Without water it may go Summer dormant.