Overview
Eryngium tripartitum of gardens is a clump-forming, upright and branching; some form basal rosettes perennial in the genus Eryngium, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous or evergreen; leathery, often spiny, sometimes marbled or silver-veined foliage. Eryngium tripartitum of gardens grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H7. Suggested uses include gravel gardens, rockeries, borders, coastal gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes.. It is native to Southwestern Europe.
About
Eryngium tripartitum of gardens is a perennial in the Apiaceae with a clump-forming, upright and branching habit. It bears leathery, often spiny leaves that may be marbled or show silver veining. The plant favours full sun on sharply drained, neutral-to-alkaline soils and will not tolerate winter wet; it flowers from June to September.
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
In the garden
A member of the Apiaceae native to southwestern Europe, Eryngium tripartitum of gardens brings spiny, leathery foliage and a strongly architectural silhouette to dry, open sites. Plants form upright, branching clumps and occasionally basal rosettes; leaves are often spiny and can show marbling or silver veins. Position in full sun on poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained sand, chalk or gravel; neutral to alkaline pH suits it best. South- or west-facing, exposed sites replicate the conditions it favours in the wild. Winter wet is fatal, so avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soils and do not allow puddling around the crown. Hardiness is H4–H7 (average to fully hardy), so it will survive most UK winters where soils drain freely. Flowering runs from June to September, after which the foliage remains a useful structural element in dry borders. Use it in gravel gardens, rockeries, coastal plots and drought-tolerant schemes where its spiny leaves and branching habit provide contrast with softer-leaved plants. The silver-veined foliage in particular holds up through summer drought and gives a persistent sculptural detail.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eryngium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained sand, chalk or gravel
- Soil pH
- Neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well drained to dry; winter wet is fatal
- Aspect
- South or west facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H4-H7
Plant details
Eryngium tripartitum of gardens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright and branching; some form basal rosettes
- Foliage
- Deciduous or evergreen; leathery, often spiny, sometimes marbled or silver-veined
- Suggested uses
- Gravel gardens, rockeries, borders, coastal gardens, drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Native to
- Southwestern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium tripartitum of gardens
- Cultivation
- Give them the hottest, poorest, best-drained position in the garden. Rich soil produces soft growth that flops and rots, so resist feeding. Most resent disturbance because of a long taproot, which is also what makes them genuinely drought-tolerant once settled - plant young and leave alone. Excellent in gravel gardens and on thin chalk.
- Pruning
- Cut spent stems back in early spring rather than autumn, since the dried heads are among the best winter silhouettes in the border.
- Propagation
- Sow seed fresh in autumn, as germination becomes erratic once stored. Root cuttings taken in winter are the reliable route for cultivars; division rarely succeeds given the taproot.
- Pest resistance
- Slugs damage young growth, particularly on the rosette-forming species; otherwise little troubled.
- Disease resistance
- Healthy where drainage is adequate. Root and crown rot follow winter waterlogging, which is by far the commonest cause of loss.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Eryngium tripartitum of gardens?
Give them the hottest, poorest, best-drained position in the garden. Rich soil produces soft growth that flops and rots, so resist feeding. Most resent disturbance because of a long taproot, which is also what makes them genuinely drought-tolerant once settled - plant young and leave alone. Excellent in gravel gardens and on thin chalk.
Where is the best place to plant Eryngium tripartitum of gardens?
Eryngium tripartitum of gardens prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Eryngium tripartitum of gardens need?
Eryngium tripartitum of gardens is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained sand and chalk or gravel. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained to dry; winter wet is fatal.
How do I prune Eryngium tripartitum of gardens?
Cut spent stems back in early spring rather than autumn, since the dried heads are among the best winter silhouettes in the border.
Is Eryngium tripartitum of gardens hardy in the UK?
Eryngium tripartitum of gardens has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Eryngium tripartitum of gardens?
Sow seed fresh in autumn, as germination becomes erratic once stored. Root cuttings taken in winter are the reliable route for cultivars; division rarely succeeds given the taproot.
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
