Overview
Eryngium decaisneana 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 decaisneana 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, rockeries, borders, drought-tolerant gardens and winter interest for its architectural seed heads.. It is native to Southwestern Europe.
About
Eryngium decaisneana is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Apiaceae with leathery, often spiny foliage and a branching habit; some forms produce basal rosettes. It favours sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soils and thrives in full sun on a south- or west-facing, exposed site. Flowering occurs June to September. Avoid winter-wet positions, which this species does not tolerate.
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
Eryngium decaisneana is a perennial member of the Apiaceae native to southwestern Europe, noted for its erect, branching habit and leathery, frequently spiny leaves that are sometimes marbled or silver-veined. Plants may form a low basal rosette before producing upright flowering stems and then architectural seed heads that persist into winter. Flowering in the UK runs June to September. Give it a sunny, exposed position on south- or west-facing ground with sharply drained soil — sand, chalk or gravel suit it best. It prefers poor to moderately fertile conditions and neutral to alkaline pH; avoid heavy, moisture-retentive or winter-wet soils because prolonged damp over winter is fatal. Hardiness ranges from H4 to H7, so expect performance from average to fully hardy across most UK gardens if drainage and aspect are correct. Eryngium decaisneana works well in gravel gardens, rockeries and dry borders where its stiff stems and seed heads provide structural winter interest. Use it in drought-tolerant schemes or at the front of mixed borders to contrast with softer-leaved perennials; the spiny leaves and persistent seed heads give clear architectural form through the colder 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 decaisneana 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, rockeries, borders, drought-tolerant gardens, winter interest for its architectural seed heads.
- Native to
- Southwestern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium decaisneana
- 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 decaisneana?
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 decaisneana?
Eryngium decaisneana prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Eryngium decaisneana need?
Eryngium decaisneana 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 decaisneana?
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 decaisneana hardy in the UK?
Eryngium decaisneana 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 decaisneana?
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.
More in the Eryngium genus
- Eryngium agavifoliumSea Holly
- Eryngium bromeliifoliumpineapple-leaved eryngo
- Eryngium eburneum
- Eryngium horridumSea Holly
- Eryngium planum 'Blaue Kappe'Blue Eryngo
- Eryngium planum 'Seven Seas'Blue Eryngo
- Eryngium proteiflorumprotea-like-flowered eryngo
- Eryngium serraSea Holly
