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Herbaceous Perennial

Eryngium variifolium
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

variable-leaved eryngo

An evergreen perennial to 40cm tall, forming a clump of rounded basal leaves with white veins, with branched, leafy stems bearing silvery-blue flower-heads with narrow, spiny silver bracts

Other common names
variable-leaved sea holly
Synonyms
Eryngium variifolium 'Miss Marble'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver White
Summer Blue Grey Silver Purple Green Grey Silver White
Autumn Blue Grey Silver Purple Green Grey Silver White
Winter Green Grey Silver White
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical 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

Correct

Plant range
Morocco

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Thrives in poor soil and will not tolerate excess winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or by root cuttings in late winter. Divided plants can be slow to re-establish

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Can be cut back after flowering, though seed heads persist well and can add interest in 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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