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Great Design Plant: Sea Holly
Its spiky appearance can be intimidating at first, but sea holly's range of climate tolerances and vivid color make it a landscape winner
Eryngium, commonly known as sea holly, may appear anything but inviting at first, but on closer inspection you'll realize there's nothing to be afraid of. I first discovered this spiky flower in a friend's birthday bouquet and have been a fan ever since. Sea holly has a long history of cultivation, and recent trending in foraged bouquets and wild gardens has given it new popularity. Upright, thistlelike and a vivid shade of blue from tip to stem, this is a flower to note — both in hand and in the garden.
Hailing from Northern Africa, Europe and even Asia, sea holly thrives in many climates.
Hailing from Northern Africa, Europe and even Asia, sea holly thrives in many climates.
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by Jess Knowles
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| Botanical name: Eryngium spp Common name: Sea holly, Eryngo USDA zones: 5 to 11, depending on species Water requirement: Low Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 2 to 6 feet tall, depending on species Benefits and tolerances: Plants attract bees and butterflies; drought and coastal tolerant, depending on species Shown here: Eryngium alpinum ‘Blue Star’, zones 5 to 9 |
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Distinguishing traits. Often mistaken for thistle, sea holly is identified by its spiny leaves and cone-shape flowers. Sea holly blooms in summer and even into fall, producing a multitude of upright spiky flowers in white, violet, silver, green and every color in between.
Erect stalks of similar colors continue to grow and thrive for the remainder of the year. Leaf types vary from long, narrow spikes to foliage with large lobes.
Shown here: Eryngium dilatatum 'Azulillo'
Erect stalks of similar colors continue to grow and thrive for the remainder of the year. Leaf types vary from long, narrow spikes to foliage with large lobes.
Shown here: Eryngium dilatatum 'Azulillo'
How to use it. Peeking above the surrounding foliage, sea holly's form breaks up surrounding foliage and creates vertical interest, while its color is in tune with the masses of purple, light green and cream. Plant sea holly in a rock garden, where its preference for well-drained and light soil will come in handy and its cool-blue foliage will complement natural stone colors.
Sea holly is more commonly seen in floral arrangements. Whether used as the primary flower or a bouquet accent, they are long lasting when cut — both fresh and dried. Cut stems when flowers are half open for best results.
Sea holly is more commonly seen in floral arrangements. Whether used as the primary flower or a bouquet accent, they are long lasting when cut — both fresh and dried. Cut stems when flowers are half open for best results.
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Planting notes. Native to a wide variety of climates and growing conditions, sea holly is pretty tolerant and able to grow in a wide variety of environments. Provide ample sun and their foliage and flower hues will deepen and become more vibrant.
Sea holly prefers light, well-drained soil — some species are partial to sandy soils, while others prefer soil that maintains a certain amount of moisture. The one characteristic that all sea hollies share is a single deep taproot. This makes them more resistant to drought but much more difficult to transplant, so transplanting is not recommended.
Shown here: Eryngium bourgatii, zones 5 to 9
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See more great design flowers and plants, grasses and trees
Sea holly prefers light, well-drained soil — some species are partial to sandy soils, while others prefer soil that maintains a certain amount of moisture. The one characteristic that all sea hollies share is a single deep taproot. This makes them more resistant to drought but much more difficult to transplant, so transplanting is not recommended.
Shown here: Eryngium bourgatii, zones 5 to 9
More:
See more great design flowers and plants, grasses and trees
Comments
Judy I've always thought this is a really interesting looking plant; the flowers are just beautiful, but the folliage does kind of look weedy. I've layered it in the back of the bed with something almost as tall in front of it. Their cut flowers are great!
12 months ago · Like
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Lisa Hall Any suggestions where to find this in Las Vegas? I'm hopeless with seeds.
9 months ago · Like
stairheads It is beautiful, but it does self-seed quite vigorously.
9 months ago · Like
Judy Blue Stone Perennials and Gurney's Seeds are 2 outfits that carry the plants. Probably others if you research. I would definitely get the plants rather than seeds (get 3 to start so they look fuller) - even though they cost more you'll get your flowers so much faster. You MAY have to wait till spring for shipment (maybe not) as each company has its own planting recommendations. Have fun!
9 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on June 4, 2012.
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