Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit'

RHS Plant Profile
blue eryngo 'Blue Hobbit'
blue eryngo 'Blue Hobbit' RHS
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A compact perennial, to about 30cm tall, with a clump of rounded basal leaves. Erect, branched stems bear deeply-lobed, silvery blue-green, spiny leaves and small, blue, terminal flowerheads with narrow, spiny bracts, 2.5cm long, in summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in dry, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun, with protection from winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by root cuttings in late winter or by division during spring, although they may be slow to re-establish

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Tidy plants after flowering; ideal for flower arranging - cut the stems before the flowers are fully open

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews