Eryngium or 'Sea Holly'

A wonderful colourful and textural addition to the garden border are Eryngium or 'Sea Holly'. A number of species and cultivars are available for sale including the popular Eryngium Giganteum 'Miss Willmott's Ghost' with its white / grey flowers and the slightly smaller growing Eryngium x oliverianum with its steel blue flowers (height around 90cm).

The attractive blue flowers ( or white) are the main reason for growing this drought tolerant plant however the thistle like foliage is a great addition as well. Bees and birds love the flowers as well which appear in summer.

All species require a sunny position and a well drained soil, they are not fussy about soil type as long as it drains well. Clumps can be divided in early spring. Best in zones 5 to 8

Eryngium varieties and species

Eryngium amethystinum Sapphire Blue - Sea Holly or Amethyst Sea Holly is a popular cultivar. A tall erect plant with fascinating 'metallic' steel blue flower heads in summer, Eryngium amethystinum Sapphire Blue is a stunning clump forming perennial plant that grows best in a well drained soil in full sun. Other Species include: Eryngium planum, eryngium yuccifolium, eryngium alpinum, eryngium giganteum, eryngium agavifolium, eryngium bourgatii and eryngium maritimum