Eryngium planum

FLAT SEA HOLLY
Family: Apiaceae
Pronounced: e-RING-gee-um PLAH-num

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

---

GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Central and southeast Europe to central Asia.
Plant Group:
Perennials.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-24.
USDA zones: 5-9.
Mature size:
Height: 36 inches (90 cm).
Width: 18 inches (45 cm).
Flowering period:
Midsummer to autumn.
Flowering attributes:
Round umbels with blue flowers and blue-green bracts on bright blue stems. Seed heads are attractive, so leave on plant for the autumn garden.
Leaf attributes:
Evergreen, oblong, toothed, heart shaped, dark green leaves.
Growth habit:
Clump forming.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Dry, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with compost and fertilize with a complete organic fertilizer in spring.
Propagation Methods:
Sow fresh seed in containers with germination in 1-2 weeks at 65-75°F (18-23°C).

 

Rainy Side Notes

Eryngium planum has been in cultivation in America since the 1800s. It makes an excellent cut flower as well as a flower for drying. The flowers keep their beautiful blue color after drying indoors. Harvest flowers when the entire flower heads and bracts turn blue.

It self sows readily but is polite about it. Transplant the seedlings where you want them to grow when they are quite small. The plants are tap rooted so they won't transplant well once mature.

Sea hollies attract bees and butterflies.

Photographed in author's garden.