Sea Holly

This name stems from the plant's historical use in folk medicine. Sea holly was credited with aphrodisiac effects, and it was believed that a drink prepared from it could ensure or strengthen a man's love and fidelity. Florists enjoy using it in both wedding boutonnieres and bouquets.

Sea holly is undemanding in terms of nutrients. In fact, over-fertilized soil is more likely to harm it—the plant grows too quickly, but the stem tissues become soft, immature, and the plant unstable.

Division of clumps is difficult for Sea Holly because it has a long taproot that hates being damaged. Better methods are:

• Root cuttings: Taken in the winter period.
• Seedlings: The plant often self-seeds around the mother plant. You can carefully transplant small seedlings while they are still young.

You can plant container seedlings from spring to autumn. It is important to avoid days when the ground is frozen or during extreme summer heat.

• Spring planting: Ideal for good rooting before summer.
• Autumn planting: The plant has time to root before winter, but requires good drainage to avoid dying in the wet.

You don't have to. Dry Sea Holly flower heads look very decorative in the winter garden, especially when covered with frost. They also provide shelter for small insects. We recommend cutting back early in spring, removing old stems close to the ground to make room for new shoots.

After planting, regular watering is necessary until the plant fully roots (first few weeks). Once the Sea Holly establishes, it is very drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.

Caution: Waterlogging, especially in winter, is much more dangerous for it than drought, as it causes root rot.

It is likely aphids, which sometimes infest sea holly, especially on young shoots or just below the inflorescence. If the infestation is severe, you can use a stream of water to wash them off or apply an organic oil-based spray.

Flat Sea Holly is not poisonous to humans or animals. However, watch out for its spiky bracts and leaves, which can injure curious dogs or cats (e.g., noses or paws). Due to its prickliness, animals usually ignore it on their own.

For drying, cut the stems when the flowers are fully colored and open, but not yet starting to brown or fade. Dry them hanging "upside down" in a dark and airy place to preserve their beautiful blue color.

Sea holly (Eryngium) is a plant typical for sunny and dry locations.

• Light: It requires full sun. In the shade, it becomes leggy, flowers less, and its stems may break.
• Soil: It needs well-drained, sandy-loam to stony soil. Heavy clay soils are not suitable for it.

If the plant has enough sun, the most common causes of death are:

1. Root rot: Caused by heavy, impermeable soil and winter waterlogging.
2. Rodents: Unfortunately, voles and water voles love Sea Holly roots. If the plant suddenly 'wobbles' or loses vitality, check the underground part. We recommend planting in wire baskets.

Yes, Sea holly (Eryngium planum) is a fully frost-hardy perennial in our conditions.

• Protection: It doesn't need covering with brushwood due to frost, but rather due to excessive moisture.
• Drainage: The key to surviving winter is ensuring it doesn't stand in water. If you have heavier soil, a drainage layer of gravel is necessary when planting.

Yes, it also has a culinary history. Candied roots were once used as a sweet and a substitute for ginger, while young shoots were prepared in a similar way to asparagus. Today, however, it is grown primarily for ornamental purposes.

1. Unpack: Remove the seedlings from the packaging immediately so they can breathe.
2. Check moisture: If the substrate is dry, water it slightly.
3. Acclimatization: If planting in hot summer, leave the plant in the shade outside for a few days to get used to outdoor conditions before placing it in full sun.