Cardoons - what to do once they have flowered?

Hi

The cardoon in my garden has grown very well this year. It sent up a great flower spike but is now looking a bit spent and is on the lean. I am unsure should i cut it off? i thought they were perennials so thought there might have been some sign of life at the base but there doesn't appear to be. I hope it isn't dying.... Any advice gratefully received

andy

 

You can cut it off and leave the rest of the plant to die back,give it a little mulch over winter and it'll be fine.

 

That's great to know. Thanks very much for your quick response. Much appreciated.