Blue Eryngo, Flat Sea Holly
Eryngium planum (Flat Sea Holly) provides a tremendous garden presence throughout the summer with its beautiful texture, unique color, and long-lasting flowering.
Eryngium planum, commonly known as Blue Eryngo or Flat Sea Holly, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia but has been naturalized in other regions.
Habit and Size: Eryngium planum features an upright, clumping growth habit with branched stems. The plant reaches a height of about 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) and has a spread of approximately 1 to 1.5 feet (30-45 cm). Its sturdy stems are bluish-green and covered in spiny, thistle-like foliage.
Flowers: The flowers are its most striking feature. They are globe-shaped, bout 2 inches across (5 cm), consisting of multiple tiny flowers surrounded by a spiky, metallic blue bract. The bracts retain their color even after the flowers fade, extending the plant’s visual interest.
Foliage: The foliage of Eryngium planum consists of deeply lobed, dark green leaves. The leaves are sharply toothed and have a spiny texture, contributing to the plant’s unique appearance.
Blooming Season: Eryngium planum blooms from early to late summer, typically starting in June and lasting until August.
Hardiness: Flat Sea Holly is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. It can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including both hot and cold temperatures.
Uses: Eryngium planum is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes for its ornamental value. Its striking flowers and unique foliage add texture and color to mixed borders, rock gardens, and wildflower gardens. The dried flower heads also make attractive additions to floral arrangements.
Pollinators: The plant is highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for pollinator-friendly gardens. The flowers provide a good source of nectar and pollen for these beneficial insects.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Eryngium planum is known for its deer and rabbit resistance. The spiny foliage and tough texture of the plant make it less appealing to these animals.
Drought Tolerance: Eryngium planum is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It can withstand periods of dryness and is suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 12 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Eryngium |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height |
8" - 3' (20cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm) |
| 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, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
When designing a garden with Eryngium planum, consider its unique characteristics and visual appeal. Here are some design ideas:
Remember to consider Eryngium planum’s height, growth habit, and blooming season when planning its placement in your garden. With its unique beauty and versatility, Eryngium planum can add visual interest and charm to a variety of garden styles.
Eryngium planum is a popular and attractive plant that’s relatively easy to grow if you provide the right conditions. Here are some general steps to help you grow Eryngium planum:
Remember, Eryngium planum is a perennial, so it will come back year after year. It can also self-seed readily (without being invasive), so be prepared for volunteer seedlings if you don’t deadhead the flowers.
Photo: / 123RF Stock Photo
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 12 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Eryngium |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height |
8" - 3' (20cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm) |
| 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, Patio And Containers |
| 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.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
