About
A dwarf annual gentian from arctic and alpine habitats across Europe, including a few Scottish mountain tops, with small, ovate, mid-green leaves and brilliantly blue, trumpet-shaped flowers in mid-summer. An exquisite but short-lived alpine specialist for a very well-drained, cool sunny position.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toUSA
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, sowing any time of year on peat-free compost and covering with fine grit. Germination will be quicker if seeds are kept at a temperature of between 15 and 20° C. Many seeds may not germinate the year they are sown and will need winter chilling after sowing. They should then appear in the spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews