Miss Willmott's Ghost Eryngium giganteum
ABOUT
Eryngium giganteum, commonly known as Miss Willmott's ghost, is a strikingly architectural plant that commands attention with its unique appearance. The focal point of this species is its flower head, which has a dome-shaped form composed of numerous small flowers tightly packed together, creating a thistle-like effect. These flower heads are a subtle shade of silver or steel blue, providing a ghostly shimmer that befits its common name. The foliage of Miss Willmott's ghost is likewise arresting, with leaves that exhibit a somewhat spiny and serrated edge, adding to its jagged charm. The leaves are often a bluish-green hue, which contrasts beautifully with the silver-blue flowers, enhancing the plant's overall silvery appearance. Both the flower heads and the foliage are covered in a fine, powdery texture that contributes to the ghostly aura of the plant. Adding to its distinctiveness, Miss Willmott's ghost produces a basal rosette of leaves from which the flower stems arise. The stems carry the characteristic bracts that are spiky and similar in color to the flowers, enveloping them like a ruff and extending the otherworldly effect throughout the plant. Miss Willmott's ghost is a biennial or short-lived perennial, which means it completes its life cycle in two years or can persist for a few years with proper conditions. It is often planted for its striking structural quality and is used to provide contrast and interest in garden borders and gravel gardens, where its ghostly appearance can be appreciated fully. Its unique color and texture make it a favorite among gardeners seeking to add a touch of the ethereal to their plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apiaceae
Synonyms
Miss Willmott's Ghost, Giant Sea Holly, Giant Eryngo
Common names
Eryngium oliverianum, Eryngeum giganteum.
ToxicityTo humans
Miss Willmott's Ghost, the common name for Eryngium giganteum, is generally not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, no symptoms of poisoning or adverse health effects are typically expected upon ingesting this plant. However, individuals should still exercise caution and avoid consuming parts of ornamental plants unless they are specifically intended for human consumption.
To pets
Miss Willmott's Ghost is not known to be toxic to pets either. Ingesting parts of the plant should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning in pets. Nonetheless, it is always advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for their consumption, as they could cause gastrointestinal upset or other non-toxic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Silver-grey
Flower color
Silver-blue
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Eryngium giganteum, commonly known as Miss Willmott's Ghost, is prized for its striking silvery-grey flowers and architectural form, making it a showpiece in gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is well-suited to dry, arid conditions, requiring minimal irrigation once established, which conserves water.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar and attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for, with little need for fertilization or pruning, which saves time and resources for gardeners.
- Deer Resistance: Eryngium giganteum is not a preferred food source for deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Diverse Planting Uses: The plant can be used in borders, gravel gardens, and coastal gardens, offering versatility in landscaping designs.
- Can Handle Poor Soils: It thrives in poor or rocky soils, where other plants might struggle, enhancing the utilization of challenging garden areas.
- Structural Interest in Winter: Its seed heads and stems provide visual interest even during the colder months, contributing to four-season garden appeal.
- Seed Propagation: It readily produces seeds that can be collected and sown, allowing gardeners to propagate new plants easily.
- Cut Flower: The striking blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, adding uniqueness to bouquets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Eryngium giganteum can be used as a striking addition to floral arrangements, particularly in dried flower displays due to its unique texture and form.
- The plant's stiff and spiny silver-blue foliage is often used in winter gardens as it provides a visually intriguing contrast against the softer forms of other plants and the snow.
- Birds, particularly finches, may use the seed heads of Eryngium giganteum for foraging during the fall and winter months when food is scarce.
- The plant can function as a natural fence or barrier due to its spiny leaves and stem, which can deter small animals and pets from entering certain areas of the garden.
- Eryngium giganteum's unique appearance can be inspiring for artists and photographers looking for interesting subjects for their work, imbuing a sense of wildness and structure to their compositions.
- The plant can be used in educational settings such as botanical gardens for teaching about plant adaptation, given its drought resistance and ability to thrive in poor soils.
- Garden designers often utilize Eryngium giganteum for xeriscaping projects because it requires very little water once established, helping to conserve water in arid regions.
- Its resilience to coastal conditions makes it an ideal choice for seaside gardens, where it can tolerate salt sprays and sandy soils.
- In eco-friendly garden practices, Eryngium giganteum can be used as part of a pollinator garden to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that support the ecosystem.
- The silver and blue hues of Eryngium giganteum are sometimes used in color therapy and garden design to create a calming and serene atmosphere.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Eryngium giganteum, commonly known as Miss Willmott's ghost, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMiss Willmott's ghost is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Independence: Eryngium giganteum, commonly known as Miss Willmott's Ghost, is often associated with independence due to its ability to thrive in poor soils and resist drought, embodying a strong and self-sufficient character.
- Protection: The plant's spiky appearance and hardiness imply a symbolism of protection, suggesting that it can serve as a guardian against negativity and adversity.
- Uniqueness: The distinctive silvery-gray hue and structure of Miss Willmott's Ghost symbolize uniqueness and the celebration of individuality, making it a great representation of someone's distinctive nature.
- Determination: The perseverance of this plant to grow in challenging conditions signifies determination and the ability to overcome obstacles.
WaterWater Sea Holly (Eryngium giganteum) deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil is dried out between watering sessions. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons depending on the size and the environmental conditions. Reduce watering frequency in the winter to every two weeks or less, depending on the climate and indoor conditions, as the plant is dormant and requires less water.
LightSea Holly thrives in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant would be in an area that is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for most of the day, making it perfect for south-facing gardens or landscapes.
TemperatureSea Holly is tolerant of a wide temperature range; however, it grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 90°F. Ensure that it is not subjected to prolonged periods at these extremes to prevent stress on the plant.
PruningPrune Sea Holly in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to shape the plant before new growth begins. Pruning can also be done after flowering to tidy up the plant, but this is not essential as the seed heads provide winter interest. Generally, pruning once a year is adequate.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMiss Willmott's Ghost thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining, with a mix of loam, sand, and compost to provide nutrients. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. A gravelly or rocky substrate can enhance drainage, closely mimicking its natural habitat.
RepottingMiss Willmott's Ghost does not need frequent repotting as it is a biennial plant. Repotting can be done every couple of years, or as needed when the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingMiss Willmott's Ghost prefers dry air and can tolerate lower humidity levels well. It is suited to the typical indoor humidity conditions found in most homes without the need for adjustment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Miss Willmott's Ghost in bright light, avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot, poor to moderate soil, good drainage.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleEryngium giganteum, known as Miss Willmott's ghost, begins its existence as a seed that typically germinates in spring, if sown in autumn or winter. The seedlings develop a rosette of leaves during their first growing season, focusing on establishing a strong root system. In the second year, the plant sends up a tall flowering stalk, which can reach up to 3 feet in height, and is adorned with a large number of small, pale silvery-blue conical flower heads surrounded by spiny bracts. After flowering, usually from June to August, pollination occurs, often facilitated by insects attracted to the plant's nectar. The plant sets seed and, being a biennial, it dies after seed maturation and dispersal. The seeds remain in the soil to begin the next generation or can be collected and sown by gardeners to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Eryngium giganteum, commonly known as Miss Willmott's ghost, is by sowing seeds. The best time to sow Eryngium giganteum seeds is in late summer or early autumn. Seeds should be scattered lightly on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix, and then gently pressed into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keeping the soil lightly moist and providing a cool, yet not cold, environment will encourage germination. After the seedlings have developed true leaves and reached a suitable size, they can be transplanted into their final position in the garden. Care should be taken to not disturb the root system too much during transplantation, as this plant prefers minimal root disturbance.
