sea holly
Eryngium maritimum
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones5 to 10
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Soil types
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum) is a perennial for pollinator gardens and low maintenance plantings. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and dry, sandy soil. It blooms from early to late summer and draws butterflies, bees, and birds. Deer tend to pass it by. It also handles drought and salty air well.
Pairs well with Lavender cotton, Rusty foxglove, Grosso lavandin, and White lace flower.
Native range
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and 10 more places. See all 14
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, Baleares, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Krym, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, Sicilia, and Türkiye.