Eryngium variifolium (Compact Sea Holly)

Type Herbaceous flower, Deciduous, Ground cover
Form Spreading clump, Architectural Form
Size Low Border / Edging / Ground Cover Plant (up to 50cm height)
Colours Blue-silver Flowers (Summer), Dark green Foliage
Care Some Maintenance Required
Hardiness Frost hardy, Drought Tolerant
Growth Medium Growing Plant
Earmark this plant  

Eryngium variifolium cultivation notes: Eryngium's like it a sunny warm location with reasonably fertile yet never wet soil, being ideal for a dry border in full sun. Cut back to ground in autumn and avoid planting where foliage will be drowned by surrounding plants. Taller flower spikes might need support. Ideal for planting in a dry border with grasses.

Plant Strengths: Sun loving drought tolerant plant; Spiney growth can deter unwanted visitors! Architectural plant – ideal as a ‘stand out’ plant; Tolerates full sun and sandy, drought-prone soils.

Plant Weaknesses: Spiney plant - can scratch young children and gardeners! Does not produce showy attractive flowers.

Design & Plant Use for Eryngium variifolium:
  • Summer flowering plant suitable for drift planting
  • Summer flowering herbaceous plant suitable for border planting
  • Low growing ground cover planting on dry chalky soils


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Eryngium variifolium (Compact Sea Holly)
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