Eryngium variifolium (Variable-leaved sea holly)

Botanical name

Eryngium variifolium

Other names

Moroccan sea holly, Variable-leaved sea holly

Genus

Eryngium Eryngium

Species

E. variifolium - E. variifolium is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial forming rosettes of ovate, toothed, spiny, slightly fleshy, dark green leaves with creamy-white veins and, from summer into autumn, branched, leafy stems bearing umbels of violet-blue flowers with narrowly lance-shaped, grey-blue bracts.

Native to

Northern Africa

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Branching, Clump-forming, Erect flower stem

---

Colour

Flower

Blue in Summer; Blue in Autumn

Foliage

White, Variegated, Dark-green in Summer

---

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Leaf and bud eelworms

Specific diseases

Foot and root rot , Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Cut back spent flower stems or leave seedheads for winter interest.

Propagation methods

Root cuttings, Seed

---

Monthly care advice

---

Where to grow

Eryngium variifolium (Variable-leaved sea holly) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Gravel, Rock, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in dry, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Does not tolerate shade or winter wet.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5