Aussie Blue Devil in Plant of the Week

Real World Gardener-Horticulture, Gardening, Learning to Grow

pt 4 Scientific name Eryngium ovinum Common Name: Blue Devil not the Sea Holly from norther Europe Etymology: Eryngium refers to Sea Holly and ovinum refers to sheep-apparently sheep graze on these plants. Family: Apiaceae-carrot family Height/width: 60cm-1m by 60cm-1m Description: Semi-evergreen perennial with green thistle-like foliage and unique feather-like blue cylindrical flowers during Summer. Dormant from Autumn through to late Winter. Long-lasting cut flower. Grows approx. 70cm tall x 40cm wide.

• When heavily if flower, the plant, not just the flowers turn blue. "By mid summer the flowering stems extend to 60 cm and a mass of crowded bright blue flowers is produced with long, spiky bracts to 2.5 cm in globular, thistle-like heads on rigid branched stems. " (from anbg.gov.au)

In Adrian's temperate garden, the Blue Devil has not died down as it reputedly does in cooler climates. Grows in most soil conditions in full sun. Listen to the podcast to find out more I'm talking with Adrian O’Malley, native plant expert and officianado