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
Some from dry, rocky and coastal areas - others from marshy regions. Excellent for dried arrangements. Many will naturalize. Wildlife plant - bees and butterflies.
Place of origin
Europe, northern Africa, Turkey, central Asia, China, Korea.
Deciduous
Evergreen
Herbaceous
Early in the year, typically January till end of March, herbaceous plants might be supplied in 9cm pots to ensure timely despatch.
Bee friendly
Butterfly friendly
Rabbit Resistant

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

View Planting Combinations

ERYNGIUM and PEROVSKIA atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire'

ERYNGIUM agavifolium

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

1.5 to 2 Litre

£13.50

ERYNGIUM bourgatii 'Picos Amethyst'

Purple-amethyst coloured flowers, very striking

1.5 to 2 Litre

£13.50

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Available from February 2026
Awaiting new stock

ERYNGIUM bourgatii 'Picos Blue'

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

1.5 to 2 Litre

£13.50

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Available again from NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025
Despatch will be anytime during November or December as stock becomes available. Bareroot hedging and roses can be delayed by unfavourable weather conditions.

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

£13.50

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Available Early Spring 2026
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.