Overview
Eryngium venustum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Eryngium, part of the Apiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Eryngium venustum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators and drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Mexico.
About
Eryngium venustum is an evergreen perennial that features a basal rosette of spiny, waxy leaves in a pale grey-green hue. This species produces thimble-shaped flowers, which are silvery white to pale green, on stems reaching approximately 60 cm in height. Blooming occurs from midsummer through early autumn.
About the genus
Eryngium consists of annuals, biennials, and perennials characterized by either entire or lobed foliage, frequently displaying spiny margins. The flower heads are cone-shaped and are typically encircled by a prominent whorl of spiny bracts.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eryngium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Eryngium venustum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Mexico
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium venustum
- Cultivation
- Grow in dry, well-drained poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun, with protection from winter wet
- Pruning
- Tidy plants after flowering; ideal for flower arranging - cut the stems before the flowers are fully open
- Propagation
- Propagate 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 resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Eryngium venustum?
Grow in dry, well-drained poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun, with protection from winter wet.
Where is the best place to plant Eryngium venustum?
Eryngium venustum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Eryngium venustum need?
Eryngium venustum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Eryngium venustum?
Tidy plants after flowering; ideal for flower arranging - cut the stems before the flowers are fully open.
How big does Eryngium venustum grow?
Eryngium venustum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Eryngium venustum hardy in the UK?
Eryngium venustum has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Eryngium venustum?
Propagate 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.
Is Eryngium venustum good for pollinators?
Yes — Eryngium venustum attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.