Eryngium Sea Holly in a pot ?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by JWK, Jul 10, 2021.

  1. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    I have Blue Hobbit which does Ok in my dry chalky soil, my sister loves it but can never get it to survive. I think her clay soil is the problem.

    I want to make up a container but need help on the best compost mix. Anyone grow them in pots?
     
  2. mazambo

    mazambo Forever Learning

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    I have some in pots and they are doing fine, I think they pretty much are happy in most soils as long as they are free draining, I can't seem to remember what exact mix I used.
    20210630_145239.jpg
     
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    • mazambo

      mazambo Forever Learning

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      Just had a look in the pot and I've got grit in there so the mix would have probably been 50/50 JI no3 and mpc then added grit to suit.
       
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      • Nikolaos

        Nikolaos Total Gardener

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        @JWK Definitely agree that the problem is her soil. Eryngiums may be fine in a container for a couple of years, but I have to wonder if they will do well in anything but the largest, deepest pots with that big, carrot-like root! I have a vague memory of being advised against it when I asked here a couple of years ago. Why not simply dig a fairly deep hole and replace her soil with something lighter? I have mine in the ground in a 3 parts MPC, 1 part sand and 1 part grit mix, it seems to be doing fine in its second year despite initially suffering a bit of stress from being transplanted in the Spring. :dunno:

        Nick
         
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          Thanks @Nikolaos - found your old thread here:

          Potting Eryngium

          I don't have the option to dig up my Sister's garden as it will be a flying visit, so maybe it will survive a year or two and then I can transplant it for her in the future.
           
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          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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            They look good @mazambo how deep is your pot? As you can see from the above others are saying they develop a big tap root so may not do well in a container.
             
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            • mazambo

              mazambo Forever Learning

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              It's a 12" 15l pot and I'll probably go up a size next year, no doubt it's better in soil but with limited soil to plant in I've learned to give it a go, if I lose this one I'll grow another one.
               
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