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Eryngium maritimum (Sea Holly)

Sea Holly, Sea Eryngo, See Eryngium, Sea Holm

Eryngium maritimum, Sea Holly, Sea Eryngo, See Eryngium, Sea Holm, Semi-Evergreen Perennials, Blue flowers, Blue perennials
Eryngium maritimum, Sea Holly, Sea Eryngo, See Eryngium, Sea Holm, Semi-Evergreen Perennials, Blue flowers, Blue perennials
Eryngium maritimum, Sea Holly, Sea Eryngo, See Eryngium, Sea Holm, Semi-Evergreen Perennials, Blue flowers, Blue perennials

Highly ornamental, Eryngium maritimum (Sea Holly) is a semi-evergreen, clump-forming perennial with rosettes of waxy, spiny, blue-gray leaves adorned with white veins. In summer, the stiff stems boast thistle-like, blue flower heads adorned with collars of spiky bracts. Native to the sandy beaches of Europe, Sea Holly appreciates sandy and sunny conditions. Perfect for coastal areas and rock gardens.

  • Grows in clumps of stiffly erect, branched stems up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm)
  • Performs best in full sun in sand dunes or shingle. Drought tolerant.
  • Excellent choice for gravel gardens and coastal gardens. May be planted as a single specimen or in groupings. Perfect for cut or dried flower arrangements too!
  • Propagate by seed in fall
  • Native to Europe

Learn How To Plant, Care, and Grow Spectacular Sea Holly (Eryngium)


Attractive, Sea Holly plants (Eryngium) are striking ornamental perennials grown for their arresting, thistle-like, silvery or blue tinted flower heads adorned with a ruff of showy bracts. Blooming in summer and sometimes into fall, they are exceptionally care-free plants if they are given a well-chosen site. Here are some basic rules that need to be followed to enjoy their splendid flowers.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Apiaceae
Genus Eryngium
Common names Sea Holly
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Eryngium leavenworthii (False Purple Thistle)
Eryngium x oliverianum (Oliver Sea Holly)
Eryngium planum ‘Blue Cap’ (Flat Sea Holly)
Eryngium alpinum (Alpine Sea Holly)
Eryngium alpinum ‘Blue Star’ (Alpine Sea Holly)
Eryngium pandanifolium (Giant Sea Holly)

Recommended Companion Plants

Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton)
Orlaya grandiflora (White Lace Flower)
Digitalis ferruginea (Rusty Foxglove)
Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ (Lavender)

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Eryngium (Sea Holly)
Eryngium bourgatii (Mediterranean Sea Holly)
Eryngium planum (Flat Sea Holly)
Learn How To Plant, Care, and Grow Spectacular Sea Holly (Eryngium)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Apiaceae
Genus Eryngium
Common names Sea Holly
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Eryngium (Sea Holly)
Not sure which Eryngium (Sea Holly) to pick?
Compare Now

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