Plains eryngo, Blue Cap, Eringoe, Eryngo, Flat Sea Holly
Eryngium planum

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Blue. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.

Eryngium planum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.7

Where it is found

Dry soils in E. Europe. Locally common in orchards and cultivated areas in Kashmir at 1700 metres. A weed of disturbed habitats at 500 - 1500 metres in Tibet.

E. Europe through Russia to central and southwestern Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of whooping cough.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Rock garden, Seashore, Specimen. Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position. Prefers a light sandy soil but tolerates most soil types including lime and poor gravels. When grown in soils that are too rich the stems will need staking before they flop. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. Plants should be put in their final position whilst small since they resent root disturbance. A very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties. A good bee plant. Special Features:Not North American native, Naturalizing, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn on the surface of a well-drained compost in a cold frame. The seed can also be sown in spring. It usually germinates in 5 - 90 days at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring or autumn. Take care since the plant resents root disturbance. Root cuttings in autumn or winter.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. coeruleum. Clarke. non Bieb.