About
A long-flowering perennial with erect branched stems and spiny, highly divided silvery-green leaves. A blue-flowered selection. Flowering in summer, it has abundant small thimble shaped flower-heads with spiky silvery violet-blue bracts which can also be very attractive if left on the plant after the flowering period.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
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 usesWildlife gardens, Gravel garden, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
CultivationWill grow well in poor, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun avoiding wet winter conditions
PruningCut back any dead foliage throughout the season and but leave spent flowers for winter interest. Cut flowers before they open for floristry purposes
PropagationPropagate by seed, by root cuttings in late winter and by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews