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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Eryngium × zabelii 'Neptune's Gold'PBR

sea holly 'Neptune's Gold'

An upright, herbaceous perennial to about 50cm. The foliage and flower bracts are spiny and yellow green, while the flowers are electric blue. Rounded heads of tiny flowers appear in mid- to late summer, and the seedheads often remain decorative into winter

Synonyms
Eryngium × zabelii 'Neptune's Gold'PBR
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver Yellow
Summer Blue Green Grey Silver Yellow
Autumn Green Grey Silver Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Eryngium can be annuals, biennials or perennials with simple or divided leaves, often spiny edged, and cone-like flower-heads often surrounded by an involucre of conspicuous spiny bracts

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in dry, well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile. Full sun is essential as is protection from winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by root cuttings in late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Banks and slopes
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Although you can cut back flower stems after flowering the seedheads are a very attractive feature so are usually left over winter

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews

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