About
A herbaceous perennial, to around 70cm in height, with silver-blue, cone-shaped flower umbels above whorls of spiny, basal bracts, supported by strong, grey-blue stems.
About the genus
Eryngium can be annuals, biennials or perennials with simple or divided leaves, often spiny edged, and cone-like flower-heads often surrounded by an involucre of conspicuous spiny bracts
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fairly dry, well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile. Full sun is essential as is protection from winter wet
PruningAlthough you can cut back flower stems after flowering the seedheads are a very attractive feature so are usually left over winter
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews