Eryngium giganteum (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist/ dryish, well drained
Eventual Height: 90cm
Eventual Spread: 50cm
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Apiaceae
Eryngium giganteum is an evergreen biennial herbaceous perennial with a clump forming upright habit. Its grey/ green basal leaves are cordate with crenate margins, up to 20cm long and 10cm broad. Its grey/ silver flowers are up to 4mm across and are produced in dense apical cone like umbles which are up to 4cm across and surrounded by spiny bracts. Its fruits retain the shape of the flowering umble throughout the winter months before they decompose, the seeds readily germinate.
Eryngium giganteum Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Eryngium giganteum, commonly known as Miss Willmott’s Ghost or Giant Sea Holly, is native to the Caucasus region and Iran. In its native habitat it grows in tall grass prairies.
The etymological root of the binomial name Eryngium is derived from the Greek hruggion, a name given by Theophrastus for ‘a spiny leaved plant’. Giganteum is from the Latin meaning ‘like that of the Giants’.
The landscape architect may find Eryngium giganteum useful in prairie type planting schemes. The flower heads of this plant provide interest throughout the winter months. Once established this plant is drought tolerant.
Ecologically, Eryngium giganteum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its seed heads are attractive to a number of birds.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Eryngium giganteum their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Eryngium giganteum Leaf (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Eryngium giganteum prefers moist/ dryish, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate poor soils.
Eryngium giganteum requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring. Self seeded plants may be removed by hand.
