Eryngium, commonly known as Sea Holly, is an ornamental perennial cherished for its thistle-like appearance, silvery or blue-tinted flower heads, and showy bracts. Its steel blue foliage and captivating blooms add a unique and striking element to gardens.
Eryngium, commonly known as Sea Holly, is a diverse genus of 250 species distributed across the world, from the Americas to Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa.
Habit and size: Sea Holly plants are unique annuals or perennials, boasting a variety of striking and ornamental forms. The size of Eryngium plants ranges from compact, low-growing species of just 12 inches (30 cm) tall to larger, dramatic varieties that can reach up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) in height.
Flowers: One of the distinctive features of Eryngium is its striking flowers. These bloom in a variety of colors, including blue, white, and silver, and are known for their thistle-like appearance. The flowers are actually compact clusters of small flowers surrounded by spiky bracts, which gives them a somewhat spiny and holly-like appearance, hence the common name.
Foliage: The foliage of Sea Holly is equally unique, with prickly, lobed leaves that can have a bluish or silvery tint, depending on the species.
Blooming Season: Eryngium typically blooms in the summer and sometimes into fall, bringing its unusual and unique beauty to gardens and landscapes.
Hardiness: The plant is quite hardy, and most species fall within the USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Exceptionally hardy, Eryngium alpinum is perennial in Zone 2. Eryngium amethystinum and Eryngium yuccifolium are perennial in Zones 3. Not sure about your growing zone? Check here.
Uses: Sea Holly is ideal for rock gardens, coastal landscapes, and borders, providing a stunning contrast to other vibrant summer flowers. Sea Holly is loved by gardeners for more than just its looks. It’s also valued for its resilience and versatility. It’s drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens. The unique, long-lasting flowers and attractive, spiky foliage add visual interest and texture to bouquets and are even beautiful when dried.
Pollinators: It’s a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects with its nectar-rich flowers.
Toxicity: Eryngium is generally not toxic to pets or humans
Deer and Rabbit: Its prickly nature tends to deter deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens where these pests are problematic.
Invasiveness: Most Eryngium plants are well-behaved. Eryngium pandanifolium is listed as an invasive species in Portugal.
Hardiness |
2 - 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 12 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Genus | Eryngium |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
Height |
1' - 8' (30cm - 240cm) |
Spread |
1' - 5' (30cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
By Ulrike Adam / Shutterstock, (c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com
Hardiness |
2 - 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 12 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Genus | Eryngium |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
Height |
1' - 8' (30cm - 240cm) |
Spread |
1' - 5' (30cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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