ERYNGIUM. Widespread, particularly in South America. A large group, mostly of perennials, with a variety of ornamental features. The leaves are often presented in attractive basal rosettes and are variously shaped and colored. The flowers are tiny and carried in conelike clusters, often with circles of showy bracts beneath. Many are tough and easily grown, given a variety of exposures, soils and watering regimes. The following should be hardy to 10oF or less.
variifolium. Another unusual and ornamental species. It has densely clustered rosettes of nearly heart shaped, toothed leaves, with stalks a little longer than the blades. The leaves are shiny and dark green, with an attractive network of cream-colored veins. The flower stems in this strain are up to 1½’ tall and branched, carrying many grey green flower heads with crowns of glistening bracts beneath. A candidate for either the larger rock garden or middle ground of the perennial border.