Eryngium
Sea Holly
From its leathery lobed leaves to the spiny decorative bracts that host the flower, the dynamic Sea Holly has a sense of movement that is up and out. Excellent in fresh or dried arrangements, the flowers are borne on tall branching stems, and the terminal blooms hold their color while lateral flowers develop, until the entire stem is covered with mature blossoms. Eryngiums love sharp-draining soil in the open sun, and are an arresting addition to the mixed border, especially when planted amidst Rudbeckia, Achillea and grasses.
An interesting combination of the prehistoric and the refined, this evergreen Eryngium is known for its large-coned, luminous flowers. Linear leaves emerge from a basal rosette with widely spaced spines along their margins. A dramatic collar of upturned, unequal steely green bracts, some reaching the striking breadth of 5 to 6 in. across, serves up central, sea-green flower heads reminiscent of a Protea. Ideal for dried arrangements, this exotic Mexican perennial demands a warm, sunny site with well drained, fertile soil. Give it a blue pot on the patio or another prominent location to bring its remarkable show in-to full view.
Blooms July–September.
Size: 2-1/2' – 3' 0" high x 2' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 8.
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Other selections in this genus:
- Eryngium agavifolium
- Eryngium alpinum
- Eryngium amethystinum
- Eryngium ‘Big Blue’
- Eryngium ‘Blue Jackpot’
- Eryngium bourgatii
- Eryngium giganteum
- Eryngium planum ‘Blaukappe’
- Eryngium planum ‘Blue Glitter’
- Eryngium planum ‘Blue Hobbit’
- Eryngium planum ‘Silver Salentino’
- Eryngium planum ‘White Glitter’
- Eryngium ‘Sapphire Blue’
- Eryngium variifolium
- Eryngium yuccifolium
- Eryngium x zabelii ‘Donard Variety’
- Eryngium x zabelii ‘Jos Eijking’
