Overview
Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe' is a bushy, clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Eryngium, part of the Apiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.7 m tall. Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include gravel garden, coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Central and southeastern Europe and Central Asia.
About
Eryngium planum, the blue eryngo or flat sea holly, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to the area that includes central and southeastern Europe and Central Asia. It is a thistle-like herbaceous perennial growing to 50 cm (20 in) with branched silvery-blue stems, and numerous small blue conical flowerheads surrounded by spiky bracts in summer.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eryngium planum
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eryngium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.7 m
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Central and southeastern Europe, Central Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; minimal feeding required
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidiness; cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Leaf and bud eelworms, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Root rot, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; minimal feeding required.
Where is the best place to plant Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe'?
Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe' need?
Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe'?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidiness; cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring.
How big does Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe' grow?
Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe' reaches a height of 0.7 m.
Is Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe' hardy in the UK?
Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe'?
Seed, Division, Root cuttings.
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
