SCOTTISH THISTLE

‘Everything comes to he who waits’ and so it has.  After weeks of waiting, the cardoon has finally bloomed and it’s every bit as spectacular as I hoped it would be. 

Cardoons (Cynara cardunculus) are known by many names but I think artichoke thistle probably best describes this majestic plant.  At a glance, it's plump thistle heads could easily be mistaken for artichokes.

Artichoke Thistle

These tall, prickly characters make great architectural plants and ours is thriving in this glorious summer heat.

Is now taller than the garden wall

There are at least 5 thistle heads on the plant

I first discovered cardoons on a trip to Edinburgh a few summers back.  Being the embodiment of the Scottish national emblem (the thistle), cardoons are a staple part of the city's horticultural planting plan and can be found in almost every Scottish nook and cranny.

The Scottish Thistle

Not only are they a big hit with the Scots but bumble bee gangs are loving the pollen rich, purple thistle heads.  

Last week before fully blooming

This afternoon there were at least 5 bees on the one thistle head, all foraging amongst the tiny flower stalks busily hoovering up the pollen.

Bee movie

Busy hoovering up the pollen

Believe it or not, these photos were taken from the top of a step ladder where I was precariously perched with my camera angled on top of the flower.  You can just about make out the pollen dust stuck to the bee's furry body.

Tiny pollen grains

All pigged out