Eryngium pandanifolium (Giant Sea Holly)
One of the largest of the Eryngiums, Eryngium pandanifolium (Giant Sea Holly) is an evergreen perennial forming a bold rosette of narrowly sword-shaped, spiky-margined, arching, blue-green leaves. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces tall stems bearing towering umbels of small, tight, egg-shaped reddish-purple flower heads.
One of the largest of the Eryngiums, Eryngium pandanifolium (Giant Sea Holly) is an evergreen perennial forming a bold rosette of narrowly sword-shaped, spiky-margined, arching, blue-green leaves. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces tall stems bearing towering umbels of small, tight, egg-shaped reddish-purple flower heads. They may turn chocolate brown if not damaged by frost. Attractive to bees and butterflies but deer resistant, this fast-growing and imposing Sea Holly adds a dramatic architectural presence in the garden.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows in clumps of stiffly erect, branched stems up to 7-8 ft. tall (210-240 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm)
- Performs best in full sun in moist, well-drained soils. Best situated in a sheltered site where it has some protection from the prevailing winds.
- Excellent choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens and coastal gardens. May be planted as a single specimen or in groupings.
- Cut back old flowering stems after they have finished
- Watch for leaf and bud eelworms, powdery mildew and root rot.
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Divide clumps in spring, although they may be slow to re-establish, or take root cuttings in late winter
- Propagate by root cuttings in late winter
- Native to South America
Requirements
Hardiness | 9 – 10 |
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Heat Zones | 9 – 12 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Eryngium – Sea Hollies |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 7' – 8' (210cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 60″ (150cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |