Eryngium alpinum
alpine eryngo
An erect herbaceous perennial to 90cm, with heart-shaped, glossy dark green basal leaves. Large, cone-like, purplish flower-heads surrounded by 6cm in length vivid blue, spiny bracts, borne on blue stems
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Blue Purple | Green | |
| Autumn | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ExposedDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W & C Balkans
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fairly dry, well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile. Full sun is essential as is protection from winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Although you can cut back flower stems after flowering the seedheads are a very attractive feature so are usually left over winter
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews
Get involved
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