About
This upright, clump-forming perennial to around 75cm tall with semi-evergreen, deeply divided green leaves with silvery veining. Large, intense steel-blue flowerheads surrounded by long, spiny bracts are borne in succession from early summer on stout, branching, blue stems.
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, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in dry, well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile. Full sun is essential and protect from winter wet
PruningNo pruning required. Although you can cut back flower stems after flowering the seedheads are a very attractive feature so are usually left over winter
PropagationPropagate by root cuttings in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews