About
A vigorous, spreading, clump-forming perennial from damp woodlands, roadsides, and disturbed ground throughout Europe with light green, elder-like, pinnate leaves and flat, domed umbels of small, white flowers in late spring and early summer. A useful ground cover for shady, difficult spots but extremely invasive in borders � best reserved for naturalising under trees or in rough areas.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toCentral Europe to W Himalaya
Care notes
CultivationGrow in dry, well-drained poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun, with protection from winter wet
PruningTidy plants after flowering; ideal for flower arranging - cut the stems before the flowers are fully open
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe; insert root cuttings in late winter; propagate by division during spring, although they may be slow to re-establish
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews