If you are looking for a low growing easy care Sea Holly then Eryngium variifolium is it. Glossy evergreen deep green foliage (see picture right), is veined and attractive, the classic ‘metallic’ steel blue spiky flowers appear in masses and are held well above the foliage, and long flowering as well.
Reaching between .5m and . 6m in height, this is excellent evergreen plant for a warm position in the border. Summer flowering and drought tolerant on an easy care plant
Eryngium variifolium Care
A sunny position and a well drained soil are the main prerequisites for Eryngium variifolium.
This is a plant that will tolerate dryish conditions once established and also good in coastal plantings. Could be grown in a container if required. Good air circulation will prevent most problems.
Pruning Eryngium variifolium is generally restricted to cutting back spent flower heads, however we tend to leave them until they fall over, not sure if we like the look, or just get lazy sometimes.
Eryngium variifolium is available for sale from the following participating nurseries
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
Not easy to find in Australia
If you live in Melbourne try…
Cloudehill Nursery – phone : 03 9751 1009
89 Olinda Monbulk Road Olinda, Victoria.