Illustrative photo.
Eryngium alpinum sea holly
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,5-0,8m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-August
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Sea holly is a dramatic plant for lovers of unusually shaped perennials. It comes from Alps and Balkans and in most countries of its native origin is protected and listed as endangered species.
The flowers are steel-blue or blue-violet, thistle-like with pin-cushion heads. Main basal leaves are ovate to heart-shaped, spiny-toothed, mid green. Stem leaves are 3-lobed, deeply cut. Sea holly is often used as a cut flower in arrangements, fresh or dried.
Growing conditions and care
It likes poor, very well-drained soil, it will die in too moist or damp sites. Fully hardy to -29°C.
Last update 12-01-2009.
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