Overview
Eryngium ovinum is a clump forming, bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Eryngium, part of the Apiaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Eryngium ovinum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, prairie planting, banks and slopes, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Eryngium ovinum, commonly known as blue devil, is a herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae family. This clump-forming, bushy plant features evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage and thrives in full sun with well-drained fertile moist soil. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and adapts well to various soil types including chalk, loam, and sand with a range of pH levels. Flowering in summer and autumn, it is suitable for architectural planting, coastal gardens, gravel beds, and as a cut flower. Propagation is by seed or root cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eryngium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Eryngium ovinum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Banks and slopes, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium ovinum
- Propagation
- Seed, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Leaf and bud eelworms, Slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Root rot, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Eryngium ovinum?
Eryngium ovinum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Eryngium ovinum need?
Eryngium ovinum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Eryngium ovinum hardy in the UK?
Eryngium ovinum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Eryngium ovinum?
Seed, Root cuttings.
More in the Eryngium genus
- Eryngium 'Blue Spikes'
- Eryngium agavifoliumSea Holly
- Eryngium bourgatii
- Eryngium eburneum
- Eryngium giganteum
- Eryngium planum 'Blaue Kappe'Blue Eryngo
- Eryngium planum 'Seven Seas'Blue Eryngo
- Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue'Sea Holly
