Cynara cardunculus 'Scolymus Group' is an elegant perennial with large, highly dissected grey green leaves which are topped in early spring with global shaped buds - these being the artichokes sold as veggies.
If left to mature the buds open out into lilac coloured thistle type flowers.
Some gardeners grow it as an attractive border plant - others as a gourmet veggie.
Whichever you do, give it plenty of space - plant from seed, after frosts have passed, 160-180cms apart at temperatures of 16-30C.
They'll take only 50 days to reach maturity.