Overview
Eryngium variifolium 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 variifolium grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H7. Suggested uses include rock gardens, gravel gardens, borders, coastal gardens and drought-tolerant plantings.. It is native to Morocco.
About
Eryngium variifolium is a perennial from Morocco with a clump-forming, upright and branching habit and often spiny, leathery leaves. Foliage can be deciduous or evergreen and is sometimes marbled or silver-veined. It flowers from June to September and suits sharply drained, sunny sites.
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 Mediterranean perennial native to Morocco, Eryngium variifolium (sometimes called Sea Holly) forms clumps of upright, branching stems and in some specimens a basal rosette. The leaves are leathery and often spiny; some plants display marbling or silver veining that gives the clump year-round texture where foliage persists. Flowering runs from June to September, producing the architectural heads associated with the genus Eryngium. Plant it in full sun on sharply drained substrates such as sand, chalk or gravel and avoid any winter waterlogging—standing wet in winter is fatal. A neutral to alkaline soil pH suits it best; a south- or west-facing, exposed position will deliver the warmth and airflow the species tolerates. Its UK hardiness is H4–H7, meaning it ranges from average hardy to fully hardy in the milder to colder parts of the country where drainage is reliable. Eryngium variifolium is particularly at home in rock and gravel gardens, coastal beds and drought-tolerant borders where poor to moderately fertile soil is acceptable. Use on a free-draining bank, gravel ridge or raised bed on a south- or west-facing slope to keep winter moisture away from the roots and preserve the plant’s textured foliage and summer flower display.
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 variifolium 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
- Rock gardens, gravel gardens, borders, coastal gardens, drought-tolerant plantings.
- Native to
- Morocco
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium variifolium
- 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 variifolium?
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 variifolium?
Eryngium variifolium prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Eryngium variifolium need?
Eryngium variifolium 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 variifolium?
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 variifolium hardy in the UK?
Eryngium variifolium 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 variifolium?
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
