Overview
Eryngium × zabelii 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 × zabelii grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H7. Suggested uses include borders, gravel gardens, rock gardens, cut flowers and drought-tolerant gardens.
About
Eryngium × zabelii is a clump-forming perennial in the Apiaceae with upright, branching stems and often spiny, leathery foliage. It flowers from June to September and is suited to sharply drained soils. Plant it in full sun on a south- or west-facing, exposed site where winter wet is avoided.
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
Eryngium × zabelii belongs to the genus Eryngium in the carrot family (Apiaceae) and forms upright, branching clumps; some selections produce a basal rosette. Leaves are leathery and often spiny, occasionally showing marbling or silver veining, which contributes to its structural presence in the border. Place this perennial in full sun on poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained sand, chalk or gravel. It prefers neutral to alkaline pH and tolerates dry conditions; any winter waterlogging can be fatal. Give a south- or west-facing aspect in an exposed position so air and soil drain freely. Hardiness ranges from H4 to H7 — from average hardy to fully hardy — so choose a free-draining site on heavier soils or consider raised gravel beds where winter wet is a risk. Use Eryngium × zabelii in mixed borders, gravel and rock gardens, or dedicated drought-tolerant beds; stems also work well as cut flowers. Planting in groups emphasises its upright habit and textured foliage, and combining with lime-loving grasses or Mediterranean-style planting complements its growing needs. Position carefully to ensure roots remain dry through winter.
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 × zabelii 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
- Borders, gravel gardens, rock gardens, cut flowers, drought-tolerant gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eryngium × zabelii
- 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 × zabelii?
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 × zabelii?
Eryngium × zabelii prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Eryngium × zabelii need?
Eryngium × zabelii 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 × zabelii?
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 × zabelii hardy in the UK?
Eryngium × zabelii 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 × zabelii?
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
