About
A compact, clump-forming, bushy deciduous perennial to around 70cm in height, with rosettes of dark green leaves. Clusters of small, blue flowerheads with spikey blue bracts appear on strong stems, in mid to late summer. This compact variety is ideal for pots and containers or in a rock or alpine garden and also works well as a gap-filler in dried flower arrangements.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-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, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
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