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Family description Eryngium.

Eryngium is a thistle-like plant with silver/purple spiky bracts surrounding the central cone of the flower. These flower heads are long lasting and bring both colour and form to a drier part of the garden. Grows well in costal districts, hence the common name Sea holly.

General care.

This plant is best left undisturbed so long as it appears to be happy. Rootstock may be divided in early spring but can be temperamental. Cut foliage to ground level in autumn.

Notes on Toxicity or Culinary usage.

Emerging shoots can be blanched and cooked. Root can be used like a parsnip.

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Species description. Eryngium maritimum.

Grows well in coastal areas.

Display characteristics for Eryngium maritimum.

• Plant type: Dicotyledon. Evergreen
• Habit: Erect
• Type: Herbaceous.
• Height: 0.50 mtr.
• Spread: 0.40 mtr.
• Attractive to wildlife: None
• Preferred soil type: Clay. Chalk. Gravel. Loam. Sand. Silt.
• Soil moisture requirement: Low
• Soil ph: Undefined
• Suitable position: Border.
• Light requirements: Full sun. Part sun.
• Summer water requirements: Low
• Winter water requirements: None
• Minimum temperature: -15 °c
• Safe Minimum temperature: -10 °c
• Safe Maximum temperature: 30 °c
• Maximum temperature: 0 °c
• Wind tolerance: High
• Salt tolerance: High
• Drought tolerance: High
• Waterlogging tolerance: Low
• Toxicity-Edibility: Ethnic foodstuff. Use with caution.
• Bloom attributes: Flower arrangement. Dried flower. Showy display.
• Foliage attributes: Edible.
• Berry attributes: Undefined
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