About
Eryngium pandanifolium is a bold, architectural, evergreen perennial from South America forming large rosettes of long, sword-shaped, finely toothed leaves to 2 m long, reminiscent of a giant pandan. In summer and autumn, tall, branching stems to 4 m carry small, rounded, purple-tinged flowerheads. One of the most dramatically architectural of all hardy perennials.
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 typeSand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationOccurs naturally on coast lines in sand dunes or shingle so prefers free-draining, sunny conditions
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews