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Herbaceous Perennial

Eryngium ebracteatum var. poterioides

burnet-flowered sea holly

An erect, evergreen perennial, up to 1.5m tall, with strap-shaped, spiny, grey-green leaves. In summer and autumn the widely-branching, wiry stems bear many reddish-brown, cone-shaped flowerheads, each up to 3cm long

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Brown Red Green Grey Silver
Autumn Brown Red Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
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

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile or poor soils in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Cut back flower stems after flowering

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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