Scientific Name: Eryngium planum
Height: Seaholly typically grows to a height of 61-91cm (2-3 ft). When planting Seaholly, make sure to provide enough space for the plant to reach its full height without being crowded by other plants.
Days to Maturity: Seaholly has a relatively long maturity period, taking around 365 days to reach full maturity. This means that you will need to be patient and provide consistent care for the plant throughout its growth cycle.
Sun Preference: Seaholly thrives in full sun conditions. When selecting a location for planting Seaholly, choose an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This will ensure optimal growth and blooming of the plant.
Plant Type: As mentioned earlier, Seaholly is a perennial plant, which means it will come back year after year if properly cared for. Perennials like Seaholly are a great addition to any garden as they provide long-lasting beauty with minimal maintenance
Appearance : Sea Holly is characterized by its spiky, thistle-like flowers that range in colour from metallic blue to silvery white. The flowers are surrounded by spiny, serrated bracts and have a distinctive, architectural look.
Harvesting : Harvest when sea holly turns blue but before pollen shows. Remove foliage. The blooms of Sea Holly can last for several weeks in the garden and retain their colour well when dried, making them popular for dried flower arrangements.
Vase life : Vase life can be expected for 7-14 days.
Drying options include hanging upside down in a dark and warm area to dry.
Special features : Sea Holly is highly drought-tolerant once established, thanks to its deep taproot, which allows it to access moisture from deep in the soil. In the language of flowers, Sea Holly symbolizes admiration, independence, and attraction, often associated with strength and protection. Historically, some species of Eryngium were used in traditional medicine for their purported anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Sea Holly has been mentioned in literature and folklore. For example, Eryngium giganteum was named "Miss Willmott's Ghost" after the horticulturist Ellen Willmott, who allegedly scattered its seeds in gardens she visited.
Design features these are used as a textural base layer, and for dried arrangements and wearables. Also great for installations as they are super hardy out of water