How to Grow Eryngium

Eryngium are annuals, biennials or perennials with simple leaves and silvery-green foliage that are adorned with flamboyant and prickly flower heads that flourish throughout the summer months. This is a wonderful plant to create texture and structure to your flower beds and borders. They will even make unusual and striking cut flowers on their own or as part of an arrangement. You should expect to see your plant grow to an approximate height and spread of 60-80cm (24-32”).

Eryngium will grow at their best in dry, well drained soil of sand, chalk or loam that is of poor to moderately fertile quality. They will thrive in any acidic, alkaline or neutral PH setting. It is essential that they are planted in a position of full sun as this is where they will flourish and develop to optimum health. Locate your plants to an area where you wish for them to stay permanently, as they resent disturbance and movement.

There should be no need to fertilise your plants as this can cause more harm than good. During prolonged periods of dry weather, Eryngium will need to be watered thoroughly or if the soil is significantly dry to the touch. You may wish to deadhead Eryngium during the autumn and encourage further flowering by pinching the ends. Protect your plants from winter wet by applying a generous layer of mulch to the base.

It is possible to propagate Eryngium by root cuttings during late winter.