Eryngium pinnatifidum
Care, watering, light and tips for Eryngium pinnatifidum on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Eryngium pinnatifidum
Eryngium pinnatifidum, commonly known as blue devils, is a striking perennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, native to Australia. It is characterized by its spiny, metallic-blue flower heads emerging from deeply lobed or pinnate basal foliage, creating an attractive contrast. This plant is ideal for rock gardens, sunny low-maintenance borders, or as a cut flower in both dried and fresh arrangements, providing unique texture and color.
Native range
Canary Islands
Care tips
This plant requires full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. It prefers well-drained soils, even poor or sandy ones, as waterlogging is its main enemy; water moderately and only when the substrate is dry. It is drought-tolerant once established, so overwatering is the most common mistake to avoid. It does not need frequent fertilization and may benefit from deadheading spent flowers to encourage a second flush of blooms.
How to save a dying Eryngium pinnatifidum
- Warning signs
- Wilted or yellowing leaves, dry tips. Plant looks limp, losing its characteristic stiffness.
- First aid
- Move to semi-shade, water moderately if soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging. If potted, check drainage.
- What kills it
- Overwatering or heavy soil. It doesn't tolerate constant root moisture. Lack of light also weakens it.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act fast. Needs good drainage and sun/semi-shade. It's tough, but won't forgive waterlogging.