Eryngium pandanifolium Leaf (28/07/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Late summer to early autumn
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 2.5m (flower spike 4m)
Eventual Spread: 1m
Hardiness: 8a – 10b
Family: Apiaceae
Eryngium pandanifolium is a large, evergreen, clump forming perennial. Its mid green leaves are strap shaped with spiny margins, are up to 2.5m long and 12cm broad and form basal rosettes. Its red/ purple flowers are cone shaped umbels and appear at the ends of branched, erect stems.
Eryngium pandanifolium, commonly known as the Giant Sea Holly, is native to southern and central South America. In its native habitat it is found in wet locations. It has become naturalised in south west Europe. Eryngium pandanifolium is synonymous with Eryngium decaisneanum.
Eryngium pandanifolium (28/07/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Eryngium is derived from the Greek hruggion, a name given by Theophrastus for ”a spiny leaved plant’. Pandanifolium is derive from Pandan (another plant) and folium meaning ‘leaf’, in reference to the similarity if its leaves to those of the Pandan.
The landscape architect may find Eryngium pandanifolium useful as a focal plant, with its large strap like leaves and dramatic flower heads. Care should be taken when locating this pant due to the very spiny edges to its leaves. This plant resents root disturbance.
Ecologically, E. pandanifolium is attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given E. pandanifolium their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2004.
E. pandanifolium prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate very alkali soils.
Eryngium pandanifolium requires little maintenance.