Overview
Eryngium alpinum is a clump-forming, upright and branching; some form basal rosettes perennial in the genus Eryngium, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous or evergreen; leathery, often spiny, sometimes marbled or silver-veined foliage. Eryngium alpinum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H7. Suggested uses include gravel gardens, rock gardens, borders and drought-tolerant gardens. It is native to W & C Balkans.
About the genus
Eryngium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae. There are about 250 species. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with centres of diversity in the western Mediterranean, South America and Mexico.
Wikipedia contributors, "Eryngium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eryngium
In the garden
A member of the carrot family native to the western and central Balkans, Eryngium alpinum carries the architectural look of a dry-site perennial with firm, sometimes silver-veined foliage and erect, branching stems. It flowers in the UK from June to September and performs best where winter water cannot collect. Place alpine eryngo in full sun on a south- or west-facing, exposed site with sharply drained soil such as sand, chalk or gravel; neutral to alkaline pH suits it best. It prefers poor to moderately fertile soils and dislikes winter wet, which can be fatal; choose a free-draining position and avoid low spots. Hardiness is H4–H7 (average to fully hardy), so it will overwinter in most UK gardens provided roots remain dry through winter. Use this plant in gravel and rock gardens, drought-tolerant borders or on the front of a sunny border where its clump-forming habit and spiny, leathery leaves can give structure. It suits gardens that favour sharply drained soil and open exposure rather than sheltered, damp sites. Expect the upright, branched stems and spiny leaves to hold an architectural presence through the summer months.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eryngium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained sand, chalk or gravel
- Soil pH
- Neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well drained to dry; winter wet is fatal
- Aspect
- South or west facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H4-H7
Plant details
Eryngium alpinum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright and branching; some form basal rosettes
- Foliage
- Deciduous or evergreen; leathery, often spiny, sometimes marbled or silver-veined
- Suggested uses
- Gravel gardens, rock gardens, borders, drought-tolerant gardens
- Native to
- W & C Balkans
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium alpinum
- Cultivation
- Give them the hottest, poorest, best-drained position in the garden. Rich soil produces soft growth that flops and rots, so resist feeding. Most resent disturbance because of a long taproot, which is also what makes them genuinely drought-tolerant once settled - plant young and leave alone. Excellent in gravel gardens and on thin chalk.
- Pruning
- Cut spent stems back in early spring rather than autumn, since the dried heads are among the best winter silhouettes in the border.
- Propagation
- Sow seed fresh in autumn, as germination becomes erratic once stored. Root cuttings taken in winter are the reliable route for cultivars; division rarely succeeds given the taproot.
- Pest resistance
- Slugs damage young growth, particularly on the rosette-forming species; otherwise little troubled.
- Disease resistance
- Healthy where drainage is adequate. Root and crown rot follow winter waterlogging, which is by far the commonest cause of loss.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Eryngium alpinum?
Give them the hottest, poorest, best-drained position in the garden. Rich soil produces soft growth that flops and rots, so resist feeding. Most resent disturbance because of a long taproot, which is also what makes them genuinely drought-tolerant once settled - plant young and leave alone. Excellent in gravel gardens and on thin chalk.
Where is the best place to plant Eryngium alpinum?
Eryngium alpinum prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Eryngium alpinum need?
Eryngium alpinum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained sand and chalk or gravel. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained to dry; winter wet is fatal.
How do I prune Eryngium alpinum?
Cut spent stems back in early spring rather than autumn, since the dried heads are among the best winter silhouettes in the border.
Is Eryngium alpinum hardy in the UK?
Eryngium alpinum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Eryngium alpinum?
Sow seed fresh in autumn, as germination becomes erratic once stored. Root cuttings taken in winter are the reliable route for cultivars; division rarely succeeds given the taproot.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
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More in the Eryngium genus
- Eryngium agavifoliumSea Holly
- Eryngium amethystinumamethyst eryngo
- Eryngium bromeliifoliumpineapple-leaved eryngo
- Eryngium campestrefield eryngo
- Eryngium eburneum
- Eryngium horridumSea Holly
- Eryngium maritimumsea eryngo
- Eryngium planumblue eryngo
