Overview
Eryngium maritimum 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. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Eryngium maritimum 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, coastal gardens, rockeries and borders. It is native to Europe.
About
Eryngium maritimum is a clump-forming perennial in the Apiaceae with leathery, often spiny leaves. It reaches about 0.5 m and flowers from June to September. It prefers full sun on sharply drained sand, chalk or gravel in a south- or west-facing, exposed position. Avoid winter wet as it is fatal.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eryngium maritimum
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 maritimum is a perennial coastal plant from Europe, forming upright, branching clumps and sometimes basal rosettes. It belongs to the carrot family (Apiaceae) and is valued for its leathery, often spiny foliage that may show marbling or silver veining. Sit plants in full sun in an exposed, south- or west-facing spot where air movement and drainage reduce winter moisture. It performs on poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained sand, chalk or gravel and prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Keep plants dry through the colder months: the species tolerates well drained to dry conditions but winter wet is fatal. In UK terms its hardiness spans average to fully hardy (H4–H7), so it will overwinter reliably where soils do not remain waterlogged. Use Sea Eryngo in gravel gardens, coastal planting, rockeries or mixed borders where a low, architectural perennial of about 0.5 m fits. Plant on a slight mound or in gritty mixes to secure the drainage it requires, and bear in mind that prolonged winter waterlogging will kill the crown rather than merely set it back.
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 maritimum 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
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Gravel gardens, coastal gardens, rockeries, borders
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium maritimum
- 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 maritimum?
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 maritimum?
Eryngium maritimum prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Eryngium maritimum need?
Eryngium maritimum 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 maritimum?
Cut spent stems back in early spring rather than autumn, since the dried heads are among the best winter silhouettes in the border.
How big does Eryngium maritimum grow?
Eryngium maritimum reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Eryngium maritimum hardy in the UK?
Eryngium maritimum 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 maritimum?
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
