Eryngium maritimum
sea holly
A clump-forming perennial to around 60cm in height. Leaves are waxy, stiff and spiny, blue-green in colour with white veins. Flowerheads of globular blue umbels are borne in April to September surrounded by collars of spiky bracts
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue | Green Grey Silver White | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green Grey Silver White | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver White | |||
Winter | Green Grey Silver White |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Occurs naturally on coast lines in sand dunes or shingle so prefers free-draining, sunny conditions
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
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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