Sea Holly Eryngium bourgatii
ABOUT
Eryngium bourgatii, commonly known as the Mediterranean Sea Holly, is a striking perennial plant that possesses a truly unique appearance. It is characterized by its spiny leaves and flower heads, which give it an almost thistle-like presence. The leaves are typically a deep green with marbled white veins running through them, creating an attractive, decorative pattern. These leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant, and they often have a stiff, leathery texture and may be edged with small teeth giving them an almost prickly feel. The most eye-catching feature of the Mediterranean Sea Holly is its flowers. They are usually a vivid blue or blue-violet color, and they boast a conical or globe-shaped cluster of tiny flowers tightly packed together. Each flower head is surrounded by a ruff of spiny bracts, which can be equally as colorful as the flowers themselves. These bracts are stiff and pointy, contributing to the plant's distinctive and slightly formidable appearance. The overall effect of the Mediterranean Sea Holly's flowers and foliage is both architectural and ornamental, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of drama to their plantings. Its unique texture and coloration make it stand out in floral arrangements and as a specimen in the garden, drawing interest throughout its blooming period. The contrast between the spiny bracts, striking flower heads, and veined leaves adds to its visual appeal, making it a centerpiece in any setting where it is grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apiaceae
Synonyms
Mediterranean Sea Holly, Bourgat's Sea Holly
Common names
Eryngium bourgatii.
ToxicityTo humans
Eryngium bourgatii, commonly known as Mediterranean Sea Holly, is not widely known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning, and it is not commonly listed as a hazardous plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions are possible, and it's generally advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically known to be edible.
To pets
Mediterranean Sea Holly, the common name for Eryngium bourgatii, is not specifically listed as toxic to pets. However, pets, like humans, may have individual sensitivities or allergic reactions to this plant. Ingesting any part of the plant by pets could potentially cause mild stomach upset, but there is no widely reported evidence of significant poisoning or toxicity. It is always best to prevent pets from ingesting non-food plants as a general safety measure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Pyrenees
Benefits
General Benefits- Garden Aesthetics: Eryngium bourgatii, commonly known as Mediterranean Sea Holly, adds a unique texture and sculptural beauty to gardens with its striking blue, spiny flower heads and collar-like bracts.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is highly drought-resistant, making it ideal for xeriscaping and arid garden designs where water conservation is a priority.
- Wildlife Attraction: Mediterranean Sea Holly is known to attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Eryngium bourgatii requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Deer Resistance: The spiny texture and distinct taste of the plant make it less palatable to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in gardens frequented by wildlife.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Eryngium bourgatii has been traditionally used for its potential to reduce inflammation.
- Diuretic: The plant is thought to possess diuretic properties, encouraging the production of urine and potentially aiding in the removal of excess fluids from the body.
- Antioxidant: Constituents within the plant may have antioxidant effects, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Digestive aid: Eryngium bourgatii has been used in herbal medicine to help soothe digestive issues and promote gastrointestinal health.
- Antimicrobial: Some studies suggest that extracts from the plant could have antimicrobial activities, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Eryngium bourgatii, commonly known as sea holly, can be used to create strong visual contrast in floral arrangements due to its unique spiky appearance and bluish-purple hues.
- The root system of sea holly is deep and extensive, making it useful for soil stabilization in coastal areas where erosion may be a concern.
- Sea holly, with its distinctive shape and color, serves as an excellent attractant for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in gardens.
- The stiff, spiny nature of sea holly renders it an option for creating natural fences or barriers in landscaping to deter wildlife or domestic animals.
- Dried Eryngium bourgatii flowers can be incorporated into potpourris or sachets to add visual interest and a touch of fragrance to drawers and closets.
- Artists and crafters might use the attractive dried stems and flowers of sea holly in creating botanical prints or as a feature in mixed media artwork.
- Eryngium bourgatii's silvery-blue bracts and stems can be spray-painted to accentuate their shape for more avant-garde or metallic-themed decorative displays.
- The plant's resilience to coastal and windy conditions makes it a practical choice for seaside-themed gardens where typical plants may not thrive.
- Sea holly can serve as a conversation starter in garden tours for its unusual appearance and ability to thrive in poor soils where other ornamental plants might falter.
- The structured form of Eryngium bourgatii is suitable for use in fashion photography, providing a unique, natural accessory that complements avant-garde styles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSea Holly is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySea Holly is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The spiny leaves of Sea Holly are thought to symbolize defense and protection against negative forces.
- Independence: Its ability to grow in poor, rocky soil conveys a message of self-sufficiency and autonomy.
- Attraction: Sea Holly has historically been used in love potions, symbolizing attraction and allure.
- Determination: The plant's resilience reflects a spirit of perseverance and determination.
WaterSea Holly, or Eryngium bourgatii, is drought-tolerant and requires moderate watering. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once weekly, using approximately 1 gallon per plant to saturate the soil thoroughly. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During hot, dry spells, increase to twice weekly, but reduce the frequency as soon as normal weather patterns return. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on the plant's needs and local weather conditions.
LightSea Holly thrives in full sun. Plant it in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant can handle the intense midday sun and prefers open areas free from shade-casting buildings or trees.
TemperatureSea Holly is hardy and adaptable to various temperature conditions, tolerating a minimum of 0°F and a maximum of 90°F, though it grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive light frost but thrives in warmer temperatures during the growing season.
PruningPruning Sea Holly is mainly for aesthetic purposes to remove spent flowers and encourage a tidy growth habit. Trim off dead or faded flowers throughout the blooming season and cut back the plant to ground level in late fall or early winter. Pruning once a year after flowering ceases is typically sufficient.
CleaningNot needed
SoilSea Holly thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of sand, loam, or gravel, and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.8 to 7.2. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part coarse sand, and one part peat or compost is ideal.
RepottingSea Holly rarely needs repotting as it prefers to be left undisturbed. Repot only when the plant is clearly outgrowing its current container, which might be every 3-4 years or even less frequently.
Humidity & MistingSea Holly prefers drier conditions and is tolerant of low humidity levels typical of outdoor environments, therefore it does not require high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Sea Holly in bright light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space 12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleEryngium bourgatii, commonly known as Mediterranean Sea Holly, initiates its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when the soil temperature and moisture levels are suitable. The seedlings develop a rosette of basal leaves in their first year, focusing on establishing a strong root system. In the second or subsequent years, the plant sends up flowering stems, bearing spiky, steel-blue to amethyst flowers surrounded by spiny bracts during the summer. After pollination, typically by insects attracted to the flowers' unique shape and color, the plant produces seeds that mature by late summer or early fall. Once seeds are dispersed, the annual parts of the plant die back, while the root system remains dormant through winter. This perennial herbaceous plant will re-emerge from its rootstock the following spring to repeat its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: Eryngium bourgatii, commonly known as the Mediterranean Sea Holly, is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed for outdoor planting, or earlier if sowing under protection, like in a greenhouse. The seeds should be sown superficially in well-draining soil, barely covered with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and provide plenty of light. Seedlings will usually emerge in 2 to 4 weeks. Once they're large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings and transplant them to their final positions, ensuring they're spaced adequately to accommodate their mature size. This species prefers full sun and soil with good drainage, characteristic of its native habitat.
