Eryngium variifolium
(Moroccan Sea Holly)

Family - Apiaceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Morocco
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H4
Height - 40cm
Width - 25cm
Location - The Cool Garden

Description: An Evergreen Perennial with a clump-forming habit. Attractive dark green leaves have silvery-white veining and spiny margins. The leaves are ovate to heart-shaped and gradually become more narrow and silver further up the stem. Many small, pale violet-blue flowers are held in round umbels that are surrounded by a collar of dagger-like silver Bracts. The flowerheads are held atop upright stems and are produced from mid to late summer. Attractive to pollinating insects.

Flower:

Many small, pale violet-blue flowers are held in round umbels that are surrounded by a collar of dagger-like, silver bracts. The umbels are held atop upright stems and are produced in July and August.

Flower colour: Purple

Flower shape: Small flowers held in round umbels

Flowering time: July, August

Foliage:

Irregularly toothed leaves are ovate to Cordate in shape with spiny margins and are held in basal rosettes. The leaves are dark green and feature prominent silver veining, most notably down the midrib. The leaves gradually become more narrow and silver further up the silvery-green stems.

Foliage Senescence: Evergreen

Foliage Shape: Ovate to cordate

Propagation:

Seed or root cuttings in late winter.

Cultivation:

Best in full sun and well-drained soil.