About
Eryngium horridum is a bold, architectural, monocarpic or perennial eryngium from South America forming large rosettes of long, strap-shaped, very spiny-margined leaves. In summer, tall, branching stems carry the characteristic eryngium flowerheads. A dramatic specimen for a large, sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Eryngium, the sea hollies, are biennials and perennials with spiny-margined, often architectural leaves and distinctive, dome-shaped flowerheads surrounded by spiny bracts, often in metallic shades of blue, silver or purple. Drought-tolerant and ornamental, they are grown in sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toCaucasus, Turkey
Care notes
CultivationGrow in dry, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun. Protect from winter wet
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed. Sow seeds onto moist but well-drained peat-free seed compost and cover lightly with vermiculite. Keep at a temperature of between 18-22°C
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews