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Herbaceous Perennial

Eryngium alpinum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
Exposed
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

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