Common Name:
Sea Holly
Description:
Eryngium planum, commonly known as Sea Holly, is a striking herbaceous perennial prized for its vivid steel-blue flower heads and architectural form. This hardy plant produces masses of cone-shaped blooms surrounded by spiky bracts atop upright branching stems through summer and into early autumn. The silvery-blue foliage and intensely coloured flowers create a dramatic contrast in garden beds, cottage gardens, and contemporary landscapes. Exceptionally tolerant of dry conditions once established, Eryngium planum thrives in Melbourne’s climate when planted in full sun with well-drained soil. Its long-lasting blooms are highly attractive to bees and beneficial pollinators, while also making excellent cut or dried flowers for floral arrangements. With its bold texture and drought tolerance, Sea Holly is an outstanding choice for low-maintenance gardens and mixed perennial plantings.
Form:
- Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
Mature Size:
- Height: 60 cm – 1 m
- Width: 45–60 cm
Aspect:
Flowering:
- Flowers in Summer
- Flowers in Autumn
Flower Colour:
Key Attributes:
- Bee Attracting
- Bird Attracting
- Disease Resistant
- Drought Tolerant
- Herbaceous
- Perennial
- Suitable for Cut Flowers
- Suitable for Dried Flower Arrangements
- Suitable for Pots
Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. The spiny foliage and flower bracts may cause minor skin irritation or discomfort if handled roughly.
Companion Plants:
- Lavender
- Salvia
- Verbena bonariensis
- Achillea
- Nepeta
- Rudbeckia
- Ornamental grasses
- Echinacea
