SEA HOLLY

SEA HOLLY

Sea Holly, Eryngium, is an unusual looking perennial that resembles a tame teasel or a thistle to some extent.

Most varieties grow to about 30 inches tall, and flower throughout the summer. It's ornamental and considered an everlasting since the flowers can be dried and used in arrangements. Some varieties can be tricky to grow, but if you determine which is best for your climate it shouldn't be a problem.

The most hardy sea holly is E. alpinum, also known as Alpine Sea Holly. It will grow in Zones 3-9 and reaches

2-3 foot tall. It's considered the largest of the sea hollies and can be grown from seed. One important note is to pick a location carefully because it has a very long tap root and it's difficult to transplant. Sea hollies prefer full sun, but may tolerate very light shade. The soil should be fairly light and well-drained for it to do it's best. Once it's established it's considered drought tolerant. It can also take seaside or lake conditions and sandy soil!

Sow in early spring in a greenhouse or bright window.

It needs temperatures about 65-75 degrees F. for the seed to germinate. Use a covered seed container (or a washed deli salad container with clear lid) or cover with clear plastic. Use standard potting soil. Germination is kind of erratic and can take from a week up to 90 days.

When the seedlings are big enough to handle pot them up and keep them in a cold frame or a cool window till after the last frost.

E. planum has a beautiful blue color and can be grown in Zone 5-9. It's a long-lived perennials and will self-seed.

It shouldn't be a problem but watch and dig up those you don't want as soon as you spot them. This variety and E. yuccifolium (it's flowers aren't blue) will grow in clay soil for those of you who have this type of soil.

Giant Sea Holly (E. giganteum) will grow up to 4 foot high.

It can be grown in Zones 6-9, so it's not quite as hardy as some, but is a neat looking plant. The leaves have a silvery look and the cone-heads are longer, so it has a dramatic appearance!

All of the sea holly bloom can be harvested when they are in peak, full bloom. Cut stems and hang upside down in a darkened place with good circulation until dry.