Eryngium giganteum





Valerie Lowery@ZEON
01/27/99 09:10 AM

Yes!  I have this particular plant, although I have the "Mrs. Wilmott",
which is whiter and has larger flowers.  It was a picture in White Flower
Farm that had the eryngium paired with the oriental lily 'Stargazer', red
monarda 'Gardenview Scarlet', and white echinacea.  I did the same scheme
in my yard, but I added white and red roses.   I've seen the eryngium that
is more of a metallic purple (described as 'blue') that has been paired
with deep pinks.  I'm thinking of a combination I saw in a Tony Lord book
to this effect.  Very eye popping.

The eryngium is such a different plant from anything else; it looks like it
came from outer space.  Someone once before said that it looks like
thistle, but it is more structural.  I like to think that it looks more
like protea.  Thistle is soft and fuzzy.  Eryngium can scratch your legs up
if you brush by it and prick your fingers when you try to cut it for vases.
Don't put it near paths or where children may be tempted to touch it.  I've
seen it used as the main structure in a border at the back or center.

The first year I had low basal foliage only.  The second year they took off
and grew about 5 feet tall.  There was one central stalk that started
branching low on the stem.  It was maybe 3 foot wide.  Give it plenty of
room or let it mingle with its neighbors like I did.  It had no pests to
speak of and was very drought tolerant.  It looked good even when it wasn't
in bloom because of its whitish cast and when it bloomed, it seemed like it
lasted forever.  Near the end of the season it started to lean over and I
had to stake it, which was h*ll on my fingers even with leather gloves on.
I suggest staking it early, especially if you plan on growing it in
enriched soil like I did.  It was in full sun.

I'm looking forward to it reseeding (I've had it two years).  Several
people have asked me for starts.  It lasts a long time in the vase and
dries well for winter crafts.

Val in KY
zone 6a


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