Eryngium planum Magical Purple Stars ('Kolmpurst') (Magical Series)
A robust, clump-forming perennial to around 90cm in height, with rounded, silvery grey-green spikey leaves. Clusters of small purple and blue flowerheads appear above narrow, spiny silvery-green bracts on upright, branched silver stems, in mid and late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver | Blue Purple | Green Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Grey Silver | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Grey Silver | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- 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
Trade
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 seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe; insert root cuttings in late winter; propagate 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
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- 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
Get involved
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