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
Buy this plant
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 the UK
- 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.