About
An imposing plant, forming a dense clump of large, sword-shaped, spiny-margined blue-green leaves, to 1.5m. In late summer it produces stems to 2.5m, with axillary branches for their whole length, bearing many small, round, purplish-grey flower heads, which may mature to chocolate brown if not effected by frost.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Architectural, Coastal
Native toSouth America
Care notes
CultivationRequires a sheltered position in moist, well drained fertile soil in full sun
PruningCut back old flowering stems after they have finished
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Divide clumps in spring, although they may be slow to re-establish, or take root cuttings in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews