Plant of the Month: Eryngium
Posted:12 September 2013
Every garden needs contrast – of leaf shape, height and colour and no plant is more exciting at this time of year than the spiky silver or metallic blue ruffs of Eryngium.
Commonly known as sea hollies, Eryngium are in the family Apiaceae. Some species are native to rocky and coastal areas, but the majority are grassland plants.
Numerous hybrids have been selected for garden use, of which E.× oliverianum and E.× tripartitum have gained the Royal Horticultural Societys Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
These annual and perennial plants have hairless and usually spiny leaves. Their conspicuous spiky basal bracts surround a prominent, cone-like centre of tiny flowers.
- Hardy and easy to grow
- Flowers July to September
- Full sun is essential as is protection from winter wet
- Grow in dry, well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile acid, alkaline or neutral sand, loam or chalk
- Height: 90cm Spread: 45cm
Eryngium look great when planted in bold clumps among grasses, in a sunny border or gravel garden. They also work well in coastal gardens.
The seedheads make a very attractive feature in the garden so are usually left over winter. Or cut and spray for Christmas decorations.