Eryngium planum
|
Sea Holly
|
Type/Hardiness |
Herbaceous, Perennial, Hardy |
Flowering period |
July-September |
Height |
24-36in/60-90cm |
Light preference |
Full sun |
Soil preference |
Moist, light |
Sowing time/depth |
Autumn, barely cover |
|
The steely blue flowers of this attractive plant, which appear on wiry stems with spiny leaves from July, are much loved by bees, hoverflies and butterflies. |
Sowing and/or growing instructions |
Direct sow in autumn, in a sunny position, thinning to about 18in apart. Alternatively, sow shallowly, covering with a little vermiculite or fine compost, in winter in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, but plant out in final positions when quite young as this is a tap-rooted plant that resents disturbance when more mature. This plant prefers light, well-drained soil, but benefits from adequate moisture. |