Eryngium planum
Blue or False Sea Holly
Description
Eryngium planum is a perennial that quickly reaches 2' tall and wide. Evergreen leaves are heart-shaped and deep green. During the summer, thin wiry stems appear with tiny blue flowers on top, which look like thistles. These flowers can be dried for arrangements. This plant does well in hot and dry areas, even with high salt in soil. It does well in sandy, poor soil. It does best in full sun. It needs well draining soil and will not soggy soil in winter. Bees and butterflies love this plant. It does well in coastal areas. It has low water needs once it's established.
Plant Type
Perennial
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Blue
Flower Season
Summer
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Fast, Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Rocky
Soil Condition
Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Summer
Location Uses
Perennial Border
Special Uses
Cut Flowers, Filler
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.