About
An evergreen perennial with sword-shaped, spiny-edged, blue-grey leaves and branched stems bearing small, egg-shaped white flower-heads in late summer.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toC & E USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in dry, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun. Protect from winter wet
PruningCut back 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