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Eryngium alpinum (Alpine eryngo)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Eryngium alpinum
Other names
Alpine eryngo, Alpine sea holly, Eryngium alpinum Blue Distel, Blue thistle
Genus
Eryngium Eryngium
Species
E. alpinum - E. alpinum is an erect herbaceous perennial with heart-shaped, glossy dark green leaves. Large, cone-like, purplish flowers surrounded by vivid blue, spiny bracts, borne on blue stems.
Eryngium alpinum is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
Flower
Blue, Purple in Summer; Purple, Blue in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Leaf and bud eelworms Leaf and bud eelworms
Foot and root rot , Powdery mildew Foot and root rot , Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
Cut back flower stems after flowering, or leave them as the seedheads are a very attractive feature through winter.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Eryngium alpinum (Alpine eryngo) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Gravel, Wildlife
Cultivation
Plant in dry, well-drained soil that is poor or moderately fertile. Full sun is essential. Protection from any winter wet.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Eryngium alpinum
Other names
Alpine eryngo, Alpine sea holly, Eryngium alpinum Blue Distel, Blue thistle
Genus
Eryngium Eryngium
Species
E. alpinum - E. alpinum is an erect herbaceous perennial with heart-shaped, glossy dark green leaves. Large, cone-like, purplish flowers surrounded by vivid blue, spiny bracts, borne on blue stems.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
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Colour
Flower
Blue, Purple in Summer; Purple, Blue in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Specific diseases
Foot and root rot , Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
Cut back flower stems after flowering, or leave them as the seedheads are a very attractive feature through winter.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Eryngium alpinum (Alpine eryngo) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Gravel, Wildlife
Cultivation
Plant in dry, well-drained soil that is poor or moderately fertile. Full sun is essential. Protection from any winter wet.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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