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Description
Eryngium Amethystinum, also known as Amethyst Sea Holly or Purple Eryngo, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. This plant is native to the eastern United States, where it grows in dry and rocky soils. Eryngium Amethystinum is a popular choice for gardens due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Eryngium |
Appearance
Eryngium Amethystinum is a clump-forming plant that can grow up to 2-3 feet in height and 1-2 feet in width. It has deeply lobed, spiny leaves that are green to blue-green in color. The stem is stiff and branched, with a bluish-purple color. The flowers are small and surrounded by spiny bracts that are also bluish-purple in color. The flowers bloom in midsummer and last until early fall.
Care Guide
Water
Eryngium Amethystinum prefers well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant deeply once per week, especially during periods of drought.
Fertilization
Fertilize Eryngium Amethystinum once per month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil
Eryngium Amethystinum prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
Sunlight
Eryngium Amethystinum prefers full sun and can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones
Eryngium Amethystinum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eryngium Amethystinum is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
Habitat
Eryngium Amethystinum is native to the eastern United States, where it grows in dry and rocky soils. It can be found in fields, meadows, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: How do I propagate Eryngium Amethystinum?
A: Eryngium Amethystinum can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sowed in the fall or early spring. Divide the plant in early spring or late fall.
Q: Can Eryngium Amethystinum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Eryngium Amethystinum can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How do I prune Eryngium Amethystinum?
A: Prune Eryngium Amethystinum in early spring by cutting back the old foliage to the ground. This will encourage new growth and a more compact plant.
Q: How do I overwinter Eryngium Amethystinum?
A: Eryngium Amethystinum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and does not require special overwintering care. However, you can protect the plant by adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
Related Plants
- Eryngium planum
- Eryngium yuccifolium
- Eryngium pandanifolium
- Eryngium bourgatii
References
- “Eryngium Amethystinum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b556
- “Eryngium Amethystinum.” North Carolina State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eryngium-amethystinum/
- “Amethyst Sea Holly.” Chicago Botanic Garden. https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantcollections/plantfinder/eryngium_amethystinum–amethyst_sea_holly
