Flowers
Eryngium maritimum -
Sea Holly
A native UK wildflower than can be found around the coastline, where the ground is dry and sandy/shingly. Large pale-blue flowers surrounded by spiny bracts emerge from a mound of blue-grey spiny foliage. Ideal in drier gardens or coastal gardens. Make great cut flowers and can be dried well for use later.
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Position
- Full Sun
- Height
- 60cm
- Spread
- 45cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Can be sown all year round under glass. Cold is required to germinate, so place the seeds in the fridge for a fortnight before sowing. If sowing from Sep-Dec, let nature do the work for you; sow outdoors so that seeds are exposed to cold over winter. Germination should then occur the following spring. Germination can be erratic, taking from a few days to a few months. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into their own pots as they appear. Plant into final growing location as soon as possible.
Aftercare
Cut back flower stems in Spring for winter interest. Protect from winter wet.
Gallery
Ref. SEE004