Overview:
Eryngium campestre L., commonly known as Field Eryngo, is a perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. This plant is known for its spiny foliage, unique bracts and beautiful blue flowers. Eryngium campestre L. is native to Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor. This plant is known to thrive in a variety of soil types including sandy, loamy and well-drained soils.
Appearance:
Eryngium campestre L. has spiny, basal leaves that are divided into lobes. Its stem can grow up to 3 feet tall and the spiny flowerheads bloom in summer. The plant has a taproot that enables it to adapt to harsh and arid conditions. The flowers of Eryngium campestre L. are blue-green in colour and the petals are surrounded by a spiky collar of bracts. The bracts give the flowers their unique appearance, making them stand out in any garden or landscape.
Common Names:
Eryngium campestre L. is commonly referred to as Field Eryngo, Flat Sea Holly, and Fielderyngium in English. Its other popular names include Panicaut champêtre in French, Acker- und Kornrade in German, Cardo ruso in Spanish, and Çoban çökerten in Turkish.
Uses:
Eryngium campestre L. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a treatment for various ailments. The plant's roots, leaves and seeds have been used to treat fevers, infections, and digestive problems. In modern medicine, Eryngium campestre L. is used to extract essential oils that are used in various cosmetic products. Additionally, Field Eryngo is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, thanks to its unique and beautiful appearance.
Overall, Eryngium campestre L. is a stunning plant that has many practical uses in traditional and modern medicine, as well as in horticulture.Light Requirements
Eryngium campestre L. typically requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it may result in slower growth and smaller size. Full sunlight helps Eryngium campestre L. produce a higher number of flowers and enhances the plant's blue-grey color.
Temperature Requirements
Eryngium campestre L. is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of temperature conditions. The plant can tolerate heat and cold, making it suitable for various environments. However, the plant prefers a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Eryngium campestre L. can grow in various soil types, but it prefers well-drained and sandy soils with low to moderate fertility. The plant is tolerant of dry soil conditions and does not do well in wet soils. The pH range for optimal growth is between 6.0 to 7.5. Eryngium campestre L. can withstand drought conditions, making it a suitable plant for xeriscaping and dry gardens.
Cultivation methods
Eryngium campestre L., also known as field eryngo or flat sea holly, prefers a well-drained, slightly alkaline soil that is nutrient-rich with organic matter. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It can be propagated either by seeds sown indoors or directly into the soil, or by division in early spring or autumn.
Watering needs
The plant requires moderate watering. It should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on the climatic conditions and the soil's moisture content. Overwatering can lead to root and stem rot, so it is essential to make sure the soil drains well.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done once a year in early spring before the growing season starts. A balanced fertilizer low in nitrogen is ideal for Eryngium campestre L. Overfertilization can cause excessive growth, resulting in weak stems that may require staking.
Pruning
Pruning Eryngium campestre L. is essential to keep the plant healthy and promote bushier growth. It should be done in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back the stems to 1-2 inches above the soil level to encourage new growth from the base. Deadheading the spent flower heads throughout the growing season will prolong the bloom time and keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation Methods of Eryngium campestre L.
Eryngium campestre L., commonly known as field eryngo, is a tough and prickly plant that can thrive in dry and arid conditions. If you want to propagate these plants, you can choose from several methods depending on the resources and materials that you have. Below are some of the most common propagation methods used for Eryngium campestre:
Seed Propagation
If you want to propagate Eryngium campestre from seeds, you need to collect them from the maturing flower heads. You can do this by snipping off the flower heads and drying them in a warm and airy place. Once the flower heads are fully dry, you can break them open and shake out the seeds. Be sure to store the seeds in a cool and dry place until you are ready to plant them.
Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and place the pots in a warm and bright location. The seeds will germinate in a few weeks and will produce small seedlings that you can transplant to the garden once they are large enough to handle.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate Eryngium campestre is by dividing mature plants in the garden. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the weather is cool and moist.
To divide the plant, dig up the entire clump and separate it into smaller sections using a sharp knife or garden shovel. Be sure to keep the root system intact as much as possible, and replant the divided sections immediately in prepared soil.
Cuttings Propagation
If you have access to mature stems of Eryngium campestre, you can try propagating them by taking stem cuttings. This method is best done in the spring or early summer when the stems are still soft and flexible.
To take cuttings, choose a healthy stem that has not yet produced flowers. Cut a six-inch section of the stem and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm and bright location. The cuttings will produce roots in a few weeks and will develop into new plants that you can transplant to the garden.
Overall, Eryngium campestre can be propagated easily by seeds, division, and cuttings. The chosen method will depend on the availability of resources and the preference of the gardener.
Disease and Pest Management for Eryngium Campestre L.
Eryngium campestre L. is a hardy perennial plant commonly known as 'field eryngo.' Though this plant has some level of resistance to pests and diseases, it can still be susceptible under certain conditions. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect Eryngium campestre L. and how to manage them.
Diseases
Fusarium wilt: This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. It can lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting of the entire plant. The fungus can spread quickly, so it is essential to act immediately. The best way to control Fusarium wilt is to remove infected plants and dispose of them. Avoid reusing soil or any material that was in contact with an infected plant. Working within a crop rotation strategy can also prevent future infections.
Powdery mildew: This disease is indicated by the appearance of a white, powdery coating on the leaves, which can cause them to become distorted. Powdery mildew usually occurs in humid conditions and areas with poor air circulation. If the infection is mild, you can prune and destroy infected leaves and ensure that the soil around the plant is not overly damp. Spraying the plant with a fungicide can also help to curtail the spread of Powdery mildew.
Pests
Spider mites: These tiny pests are hard to see with the naked eye but can cause significant damage to plants. They cause stunted growth and the appearance of small yellow or white dots on the leaves. To manage spider mites infestation, it's essential to check plants consistently and remove any visibly infected parts. Good garden hygiene practices like removing dead plant material, mulching, and weeding can help deter spider mites. Spraying insecticidal soap or oil can also help control them.
Cutworms: These pests will cut down the young tender plants at or above the soil line, leading to plant death. They are active at night and can be challenging to spot. To prevent cutworm damage, create a barrier around the plants, such as a collar made of cardboard or any material. These collars should extend a few centimeters above and into the soil around the plant. Additionally, it's recommended to clear any plant debris, as cutworms hide in these areas.
Prevention is the best form of management for pests and diseases assigned to Eryngium campestre L. Keeping a clean environment and ensuring good soil health through fertilization, watering, and crop rotation will help to boost the plant's resistance to pests and diseases.
