Flat Sea Holly Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe'
ABOUT
Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe', commonly known as 'Blue Glitter' sea holly, is a striking perennial recognized for its unique appearance. The plant features a rosette of dark green, spiny, and heart-shaped leaves. During its flowering period, it produces eye-catching, conical flower heads that are metallic blue in color, creating a shimmering effect, which is why it is nicknamed 'Blue Glitter'. These blooms are tightly clustered atop branched stems and are surrounded by a ruff of spiky bracts that enhance the ornamental appeal. The overall impression of 'Blue Glitter' sea holly is one of vibrant color and distinctive, textural contrast. Its sturdy appearance and the steely blue of its flowers make it a prominent choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of drama to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apiaceae
Synonyms
Flat Sea Holly, Blue Hobbit, Blue Glitter Sea Holly
Common names
Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe'.
ToxicityTo humans
Eryngium planum ‘Blaukappe’, commonly known as Sea Holly, is not known to be toxic to humans. In general, ingestion of any part of this plant is unlikely to cause a toxic reaction and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming Sea Holly. Therefore, it is considered safe around humans with regards to toxicity.
To pets
Sea Holly is typically not toxic to pets either. It is not listed as a plant that poses significant risks of toxicity to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. Thus, ingesting parts of this plant is not expected to cause poisoning symptoms in pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion should still be avoided as it could potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some sensitive pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe', also known as Blue Cap sea holly, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which promote pollination in the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it has excellent drought tolerance, making it ideal for xeriscaping or dry garden settings.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, with no need for regular watering or fertilization.
- Deer resistance: The textured leaves and stems discourage deer from eating the plant, which is beneficial for gardeners in areas with high deer populations.
- Long blooming season: Blue Cap sea holly flowers from mid to late summer, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended period.
- Cut flower use: The striking blue flowers and unique shape make it an excellent choice for fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Architectural interest: Its spiky texture and metallic blue flower heads add unique architectural interest to garden designs.
- Salt tolerance: The plant is tolerant of salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal gardens.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Eryngium planum, also known as Sea Holly, is sometimes used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Diuretic: It has been used to increase urine output, which can be helpful in conditions where diuresis is desired.
- Expectorant: Sea Holly has been traditionally used to help relieve coughs by expelling mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Antitussive: It may also have cough-suppressing properties.
- Antibacterial: Some traditional uses include the treatment of wounds to prevent or control bacterial infection due to possible antibacterial components.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe', commonly known as Sea Holly, can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of blue and green hues for fabrics and textiles.
- In floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, Sea Holly adds an exotic, architectural element with its spiky appearance and unique texture.
- Sea Holly can serve as an intriguing subject for botanical illustrations and photography, owing to its striking form and color.
- This plant is sometimes incorporated into eco-friendly garden design, as its drought resistance makes it a sustainable choice for xeriscaping.
- Gardeners can use Sea Holly as a border plant to deter small animals because of its spiny leaves and stems.
- Sea Holly's long stems and vivid colors make it a staple in the creation of ornamental wreaths and other decorative crafts.
- It can be employed in sensory gardens to provide a tactile experience, as the plant has a unique texture that encourages touch.
- In culinary settings, Sea Holly is sometimes crystallized or used as a garnish due to its intriguing shape, though it is not commonly consumed.
- Its structure can be used for natural frost resistance studies, as Sea Holly can survive in cold temperatures and its physical properties might be of interest in agricultural research.
- Beekeepers value Sea Holly as a source of nectar, which bees forage for and thus it aids in supporting local bee populations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sea Holly is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sea Holly is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Determination: Blue Eryngo, often associated with resilience, symbolizes determination due to its thistle-like appearance and ability to thrive in challenging environments.
- Protection: Its prickly texture and sturdy nature convey a message of protection and defense against negativity.
- Attraction: Historically, Blue Eryngo has been thought to possess aphrodisiac properties, making it a symbol of allure and attraction.
WaterSea Holly should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. For established plants, a deep watering every two weeks is often sufficient, providing about one to two gallons of water per plant, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, weekly watering may become necessary. For newly planted Sea Holly, water every few days to establish root systems, then gradually reduce frequency. It's important to avoid overwatering, as Sea Holly is drought resistant and prone to root rot in soggy soil.
LightSea Holly thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to perform best. The best spot for this plant is in a location where it can receive unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. Avoid shady areas, as too little light can result in weaker, less vigorous growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureSea Holly is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, withstanding winter lows down to around -20°F and summer highs well into the 90s°F. The ideal growing conditions for Sea Holly are between 60°F and 80°F, where it will bloom abundantly. It's important to protect the plant from extreme cold by providing mulch during the winter in colder zones.
PruningSea Holly should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and encourage additional blooming. Light pruning can be done throughout the blooming season as the flower heads fade. However, some gardeners prefer to leave the striking seed heads for winter interest and forage for birds. The best time for a more thorough pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back the old foliage to the ground.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Blue Eryngo (Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe') is well-draining and sandy or loamy with good fertility. It prefers a soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.8 to 7.0). A mixture of garden soil, sand, and compost or aged manure will support healthy growth.
RepottingBlue Eryngo (Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe') typically does not need frequent repotting as it is a hardy perennial. Repot every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingBlue Eryngo (Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe') is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in average humidity levels. It does not require any special humidity adjustments, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun exposure and well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleEryngium planum 'Blaukappe', commonly known as Blue Cap Sea Holly, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in well-draining soil and given the appropriate stratification, germinates into a seedling. As the plant grows, it develops a rosette of basal leaves in its first year, which is a vegetative stage of growth. During the second year, it starts to produce flowering stems, signaling the onset of its reproductive phase. Throughout the summer, Blue Cap Sea Holly blooms with thistle-like flower heads that are steel-blue to amethyst in color, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant sets seeds, which mature, are dispersed by wind or animals, and contribute to the propagation of new plants. Finally, as winter approaches, the plant dies back, with some species behaving as perennials by re-emerging from the rootstock the following spring, while others may behave as biennials or short-lived perennials.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
Propogation: Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe', commonly known as Blue Cap Sea Holly, can be propagated by seed. The best time to sow seeds is in late winter to early spring, ideally between January and April. To propagate, seeds should be sown in well-draining soil at a shallow depth, barely covering them with soil as they require light for germination. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the germination temperature should be around 70°F (21°C). Seedlings usually appear within 2 to 3 weeks. Once they have grown large enough to handle, they should be transplanted into individual pots and later moved outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
