ERYNGIUM

Commonly known as Eryngo, Sea holly

Genus of 230 species annuals, biennials and deciduous and evergreen perennials, some very decorative.

Those from dry areas of Europe, northern Africa, Turkey, central Asia, China and Korea usually have tap roots. Those from wetter areas and marshy grassland in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and warm-temperate regions of North, Central and South America have fibrous roots.

Most have spiny leaves and thistle-like flowers. They are striking plants for naturalizing and can be dried for arrangements if flowers are cut before becoming fully open.

Many species have been used for food and medicine.

All attract bees and other insects.

UK native E. maritimus, Sea holly is found in sand dunes and on shingle sea shores. The roots used to be candied with sugar and orange flower water and used as an aphrodisiac.

Field eryngo, E. campestre, a native perennial of dry, grassy places is rare and found only in the south of England.

Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes

Good to know
Wildlife plant. Attracts insects.
Pests & Diseases
Slugs, snails, root rot, powdery mildew
Place of origin
Garden origin. UK. Cornwall, J & M Cave.
Evergreen
Grey-green leaves edged with cream and pinkish tints in spring.
Blue
Violet blue
Border
Suits a mixed or herbaceous border
Fully hardy
Gold variegated
Height
70cm (28in)
Spread
30cm (12in)
Herbaceous
Clump-forming erect perennial. Produces strong branching stems with numerous umbels 1-2cm (½-¾in) long of flowers with spiky bracts 2.5cm (1in) long.
Hardy - average winter
Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
Autumn Seasonal Interest
Spring Seasonal Interest
Summer Seasonal Interest
Winter Seasonal Interest
Well drained, dry, poor to moderately fertile soil
Full sun
Avoid winter wet.
Bee friendly
Butterfly friendly
Rabbit Resistant

Mature Size

70cm (28in)
	30cm (12in)

View Planting Tips and Care Advice

Eryngium - Growing Guide

Growing Eryngium – Sea Holly

Herbaceous Plants - Video Collection

More Care Guides & Tips

Search Caerhays Garden Diary for more info & pictures

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View Planting Combinations

Photo of ERYNGIUM and PEROVSKIA atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire' planted together — ERYNGIUM and PEROVSKIA atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire'

Photo of ERYNGIUM planum 'Jade Frost' and ERYNGIUM planum 'Magical Purple Falls' planted together — ERYNGIUM planum 'Jade Frost' and ERYNGIUM planum 'Magical Purple Falls'

Photo of ERYNGIUM planum 'Jade Frost' and PRIMULA japonica 'Apple Blossom' planted together — ERYNGIUM planum 'Jade Frost' and PRIMULA japonica 'Apple Blossom'

Photo of Eryngium, Astrantia planted together — Eryngium, Astrantia

Photo of PRIMULA japonica 'Apple Blossom' and ERYNGIUM planum 'Jade Frost' planted together — PRIMULA japonica 'Apple Blossom' and ERYNGIUM planum 'Jade Frost'

ERYNGIUM agavifolium

Grows up to 6 feet with tall thistle-like flowering heads

1.5 to 2 Litre

£14.00

ERYNGIUM bourgatii 'Picos Amethyst'

Purple-amethyst coloured flowers, very striking

1.5 to 2 Litre

£14.00

ERYNGIUM bourgatii 'Picos Blue'

A new introduction with darker and larger blue flowers on robust stems

1.5 to 2 Litre

£14.00

Estimated availability autumn 2026 Any time SEPT-DEC
Not yet confirmed. Could be any time between September and December.

ERYNGIUM giganteum 'Miss Willmott's Ghost'

Giant sea holly

Grows up to 3 feet with silvery white flower heads. Will self seed readily.

Seeds

£5.00

1.5 to 2 Litre

£14.00

Available again from summer 2026
Could be any time, June through to end August. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.

ERYNGIUM 'Lapis Blue'

Large steely-blue prickly flowers which age to dark blue over silver-grey foliage

1.5 to 2 Litre

£14.00

ERYNGIUM planum

Blue sea holly

Clump-forming with light blue flowers and blue green bracts. A useful cut flower with 3 foot stems

1.5 to 2 Litre

£14.00

ERYNGIUM x tripartitum

Small deep blue thistle flowers

1.5 to 2 Litre

£14.00

Available Early Spring 2027
Spring according to the Met office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore early spring is early March to mid-April. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.

ERYNGIUM variifolium

Evergreen marbled leaves with silver blue thistles. Grows up to 2 feet

1.5 to 2 Litre

£14.00

ERYNGIUM x zabelii 'Jos Eijking'

Grows to around 3 feet in height with intensely blue stems and flowers with a steely sheen

1.5 to 2 Litre

£14.00

Available again from summer 2026
Could be any time, June through to end August. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.