About
This evergreen perennial with rosettes of strap-shaped, arching, grey-green, spiny-edged leaves. Individual rosettes die after flowering. In late summer and autumn strong, upright stems support clusters of flowerheads each consisting of a large, blue-green central cone surrounded by a ruff of broad, spiny, silver bracts.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in dry, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun. Protect from winter wet
PruningCarefully remove dead rosettes after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews