Overview
Eryngium × oliverianum 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 × oliverianum 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, drought-tolerant gardens and architectural planting.. It is native to Europe.
About
Eryngium × oliverianum is a clump-forming perennial in the Apiaceae with upright, branching stems and leathery, often spiny leaves. Some selections form basal rosettes and foliage may be marbled or silver-veined. It favours full sun on sharply drained sand, chalk or gravel and will not tolerate winter wet. Flowers appear from June to September.
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
A European perennial in the genus Eryngium, Eryngium × oliverianum produces upright, branching stems from a clump-forming base and is valued for its spiny, leathery foliage. Plants suit exposed sites and are at home in neutral to alkaline soils that stay freely drained; several selections show marbling or silver veining on the leaves. Flowering runs from June to September. Site choice determines success: place it in full sun on sharply drained sand, chalk or gravel, ideally on a south- or west-facing aspect where exposure helps keep the root-run dry. Winter wet is fatal, so avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soils; the plant tolerates poor to moderately fertile conditions and is rated H4–H7, meaning from average hardy to fully hardy across the range. Use Eryngium × oliverianum in gravel gardens, rockeries and drought-tolerant borders where its upright stems add structure. It also works in architectural groupings where the spiny leaves form a clear silhouette against gravel or stone. Expect summer flowering and a pronounced leaf texture that holds form in exposed, dry sites.
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 × oliverianum 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, drought-tolerant gardens, architectural planting.
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium × oliverianum
- 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 × oliverianum?
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 × oliverianum?
Eryngium × oliverianum prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Eryngium × oliverianum need?
Eryngium × oliverianum 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 × oliverianum?
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 × oliverianum hardy in the UK?
Eryngium × oliverianum 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 × oliverianum?
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
