Sea Holly
Eryngium spp. (primarily E. planum, E. maritimum)
Sea Holly is an architectural perennial with striking metallic-blue, thistle-like flower heads surrounded by spiny bracts. Drought-tolerant and sculptural, it adds unique texture to gardens.
Apiaceae (Carrot/Parsley family)
Summer into fall (June-September), with flowers persisting and intensifying color through season
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: white globe thistles and sea hollys also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Sea Holly's spiky, thistle-like appearance conveys resilience and the ability to thrive in challenging coastal and rocky conditions. In the language of flowers, it represents admiration for someone's strength and determination. The famous cultivar 'Miss Willmott's Ghost' was named after eccentric gardener Ellen Willmott, who allegedly scattered its seeds in gardens she visited. The metallic blue color has made it a symbol of cool elegance in modern floral design.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (essential for best color and sturdy stems); minimum 6 hours direct sunlight
Water
Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established; dislikes waterlogged conditions; actually prefers dry periods
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Poor, Rocky, Gravelly, Tolerates alkaline and slightly acidic
Expert Growing Tips
Resents root disturbance; best sown directly or transplanted young
Thrives in poor, dry soils; avoid over-fertilizing which causes legginess
Extreme conditions (strong sun, poor soil) intensify blue coloration
May need staking in rich soils or shade
Leave seed heads for winter interest and bird food
Excellent for dried flower arrangements; cut when fully colored
Space 12-18 inches apart for good air circulation
Once established, very low maintenance and long-lived
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Architectural focal points in borders
- Coastal and seaside gardens (salt-tolerant)
- Rock gardens and gravel gardens
- Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Cut flowers (fresh and dried)
- Prairie-style and naturalistic plantings
- Cottage gardens for textural contrast
- Winter interest from dried seed heads
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sea Holly
is sea holly deer resistant?
Yes, Sea Holly is highly deer and rabbit resistant due to its spiky foliage and stems. The prickly nature of the plant makes it unappealing to browsing animals.
does sea holly spread?
Sea Holly spreads slowly over time through self-seeding and gradual clump expansion. It's not invasive and can be easily controlled. Some gardeners appreciate the self-seeding nature for naturalistic plantings.
why is my sea holly not blue?
Sea Holly develops its best metallic blue color in full sun, poor dry soil, and under some stress. Rich, moist soil or shade can result in greener, less vibrant coloration. The blue intensifies as flowers mature.
can you dry sea holly flowers?
Yes, Sea Holly is excellent for drying. Cut stems when flowers are fully colored, remove leaves, and hang upside down in a dark, dry location. The flowers retain their shape and color beautifully for years.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
White Globe Thistle
Echinops sphaerocephalus (and Echinops ritro 'Alba')
White globe thistle is a striking drought-tolerant perennial that produces bold, perfectly spherical white flower heads atop tall silvery stems, offering architectural drama to summer gardens and exceptional value for pollinators, dried arrangements, and wildlife.
Sea Holly
Eryngium maritimum
Sea Holly is a distinctive coastal plant with spiky blue-silver flowers and holly-like leaves. It symbolizes protection, independence, and attraction, with legendary aphrodisiac properties.
Thistle
Cirsium species (and others)
Thistles are spiny wildflowers with globe-shaped purple, pink, or white flower heads. Despite their prickly nature, they symbolize protection, resilience, and nobility, and serve as Scotland's national flower.