ERYNGIUM variifolium

Evergreen - ovate, toothed, spiny, dark-green leaves 5cm (2in) long, heart-shaped at the base.

Blue - silver blue

Height - 30-40cm (12-16in)

Spread - 25cm (10in)

Herbaceous - Early in the year, typically January till end of March, herbaceous plants might be supplied in 9cm pots to ensure timely despatch. - clump forming perennial. Flowers 3cm (1¼in) long with sharply- pointed silver-white bracts to 4cm (1½in) long.

Hardy - average winter - Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)

Full sun - protect from winter wet.

Additional Features - Endangered in the wild - These plants are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's list of 'Red Plants'. This is a list of threatened species in the wild, they are either critically, endangered or vulnerable to extinction. - Vulnerable

Good to know - wildlife plant - insects, butterflies.

Pests & Diseases - root rot, slugs, snails, powdery mildew.

Place of origin - Morocco

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Seasonal Interest - Autumn

Spring

Summer

Winter

Soil Conditions - Well drained, dry, poor to moderately fertile soil

Wildlife - Bee friendly

Butterfly friendly

Rabbit Resistant