Sea holly, Eryngium planum
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July 3, 2021
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Looking for a blue plant to go with your red, white and blue theme for the Fourth of July? Sea holly, Eryngium planum, has blue flowers that are perfect for flower arrangements—either fresh or dried. The silvery flower stalks have egg-shaped, blue flower heads throughout the summer. The sea holly is also a nice addition to a sunny garden area. Mine are striking in a bed of pale pink Mexican primrose.
Small spines surround the flower head, giving it a thistle-like appearance. Although the flowers look somewhat like thistles, sea holly is in the parsley family, Apiaceae. The deeply toothed leaves form a basal rosette. Although it prefers well-drained soil, it will tolerate poor soil. The plant is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant and attracts butterflies.
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Katie Martin