Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) is an attractive and unusual plant that is unlikely to be mistaken for any other plant species. It is a stiff and spiny leafed plant which has a blue / green appearance with nettle like leaves with silver white veins. The flowers that are produces are small purple / blue coler and are packed into a round, teasel like head and back by broad spiny bracts and a hairless stem which is often tinged purple.
Although Sea Holly is often found near the sea or costal areas, it does not tolerate wet soil. It thrives where drainage is good, the flowers attract bees and other insects and does do well in summer borders, sandy dunes or shingle.
Height: 20 – 60cm
Flowering Time: June to September
Preferred Conditions: This plant is native to the costal areas and the majority can be found on sandy dunes but can also grow well in shingle.
