Eryngium variifolium
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
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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 ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
Get involved
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