Overview
Eryngium floribundum 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 floribundum 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, coastal gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes.. It is native to Mexico.
About
Eryngium floribundum is a clump-forming perennial in the Apiaceae, notable for leathery, often spiny leaves that may show silver veining. It grows upright and branching, with some plants forming a basal rosette. Flowering occurs June to September. It prefers exposed, south- or west-facing sites with sharply drained soil.
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 floribundum is a perennial native to Mexico that sits within the Apiaceae. It develops as a clump-forming, upright and branching plant; some forms produce a basal rosette. Leaves are leathery and often spiny, sometimes displaying marbling or silver veining, and it flowers from June to September. Plant it in full sun on poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained sand, chalk or gravel with a neutral to alkaline pH. Choose a south- or west-facing, exposed position — winter wet is fatal, so avoid heavy soils or sites where water lies over winter. In UK terms it suits H4–H7 conditions (average to fully hardy), so it will tolerate typical exposed winter weather where drainage is good. Use Eryngium floribundum in gravel gardens, rockeries, borders and coastal or drought-tolerant schemes where its sculptural foliage can be appreciated. Allow room for a clump to develop and set it against stone, gravel or low planting so the spiny, silver-veined leaves remain visible from paths and terraces.
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 floribundum 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, coastal gardens, drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Native to
- Mexico
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium floribundum
- 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 floribundum?
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 floribundum?
Eryngium floribundum prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Eryngium floribundum need?
Eryngium floribundum 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 floribundum?
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 floribundum hardy in the UK?
Eryngium floribundum 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 floribundum?
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
