Sea Holly Eryngium × zabelii 'Jos Eijking'
ABOUT
The 'Jos Eijking' is a striking plant known for its distinctive look. This plant features a rosette of basal leaves that are narrow and elongated, somewhat resembling a lance shape with a spiky texture. The leaves are typically a silvery-green color, contributing to the plant's unique visual palette. What stands out most are the flower heads that bloom on this plant. They are cone-shaped and are made up of small, tightly clustered flowers that can range in color from a metallic blue to steely grey or even have a hint of silvery-purple. These blossoms are encased in a ruff of spiny bracts, which may have a similar coloration to the flowers or can appear in a contrasting hue, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal. These bracts are stiff and spiny, giving the plant a somewhat prickly look and feel. The stems of the 'Jos Eijking' are rigid and upright, often bearing a bluish or steel color that complements the flowers and bracts' tones. These elements together create a plant that is both architecturally sound and visually intriguing, adding a textural and color contrast to garden settings where it is used. The plant's overall appearance is bold and exotic, often serving as an eye-catching element in a garden design. Despite its tough appearance, it also has a certain elegance that makes it a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apiaceae
Synonyms
Sea Holly, Sea Thistle
Common names
Eryngium × zabelii 'Jos Eijking'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sea holly, as the common name for Eryngium × zabelii 'Jos Eijking', is not typically known to be toxic to humans. While it does not have a reputation for being a poisonous plant, like any plant material, it could potentially cause a mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities or may cause a skin irritation due to its spiky leaves upon handling. However, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with sea holly, because it is not considered to be hazardous when touched or ingested in small amounts.
To pets
Sea holly is not generally considered to be toxic to pets either. If a pet were to ingest parts of this plant, it might experience mild digestive upset, but it does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause severe poisoning or death. The spiny foliage may cause physical irritation if chewed or swallowed, but significant toxic effects are unlikely. Always monitor pets to avoid ingestion of plants and consult a veterinarian if you observe unusual symptoms or behaviors after ingestion.
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
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The blooms of 'Jos Eijking' are attractive to beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, this plant is drought-resistant, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Eryngium × zabelii 'Jos Eijking' requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal plant for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Architectural interest: The striking appearance and structure of the plant adds visual interest and a focal point in the garden.
- Long blooming season: It has a long flowering period, which ensures that your garden stays vibrant for an extended time.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: The plant is not preferred by deer and rabbits, which can help to reduce damage in the garden.
- Cold-hardy: This plant is resilient in cooler climates and can withstand frost, making it suitable for a range of growing zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Eryngium × zabelii 'Jos Eijking', commonly known as Sea Holly, can be used in floral art for its striking metallic blue flowers and thistle-like appearance, providing a unique texture and color to arrangements.
- Sea Holly is a great choice for seaside landscaping due to its tolerance to salty soils and harsh coastal winds, making it an excellent plant for beach-themed gardens.
- With its robust structure, Sea Holly can be dried and used in crafting, such as making wreaths, or it can be included in dried flower bouquets for an enduring natural decoration.
- The plant's unique form can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, where its geometric shape and bold color are highlighted in various forms of visual art.
- Due to its spiny nature, Sea Holly might be used as a low-growing natural barrier to discourage pets and wildlife from entering specific garden areas.
- The plant can be used in educational settings, such as botany classes, to demonstrate examples of plant adaptations, pollinator attractions, and xeriscaping principles.
- Insects, especially bees and butterflies, are attracted to Sea Holly, thus it can be planted to support local pollinator populations and enhance biodiversity in gardens.
- Its strong and deep root system makes Sea Holly suitable for combating soil erosion in areas prone to soil loss, such as slopes and banks.
- Sea Holly has reflective properties in its leaves and stems that can add an element of light play in the garden, especially in sunlight, which can be interesting for creating visual effects in the landscape.
- The plant's unusual appearance can be a talking point in garden design, inspiring conversation about exotic plants and garden aesthetics among visitors and garden enthusiasts.
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: Eryngium, commonly known as sea holly, often grows in harsh, coastal conditions, symbolizing strength and the ability to persist through challenges.
- Independence: Sea holly has a unique, thistle-like appearance, standing out from other plants, it symbolizes uniqueness and the courage to stand alone.
- Attraction: Historically, sea holly was believed to be an aphrodisiac, thus it can symbolize attraction and allure.
- Protection: The spiny nature of sea holly gives it a protective symbolism, representing a fortitude against negative forces.
WaterThe Sea Holly should be watered once every one to two weeks, depending on climate conditions, with more frequent watering necessary during prolonged dry spells. It's crucial to ensure the soil dries out between watering sessions. When you do water, aim to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring you are saturating the soil to encourage deep root growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil. During the winter months, you can reduce watering significantly, as the plant's water needs decrease dramatically when it is dormant.
LightSea Holly thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. The plant's preference for full sun makes it ideal for a spot in the garden that is open and receives bright, unfiltered light throughout the day. Avoiding areas that are too shaded is important to promote healthy growth and flowering.
TemperatureSea Holly is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many climates. The plant's ideal growing temperature ranges between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It's robust enough to handle some temperature fluctuations outside of this range, but extreme cold or heat for prolonged periods can be detrimental.
PruningPruning Sea Holly involves removing faded flower stems to encourage additional blooming and to maintain the plant's tidy appearance. Pruning can be done throughout the blooming season, as needed. After the growing season, in late fall or early winter, cut back the stems to ground level to prepare the plant for dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSea Holly prefers well-draining soil with a mix of sand or gravel to improve drainage. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is optimal for its growth, favouring slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Adding organic matter can provide nutrients, but ensure the soil is not waterlogged.
RepottingSea Holly, being a hardy perennial, does not need frequent repotting. It can typically be repotted every 3-4 years or when it outgrows its container. Ensure good drainage in the new pot.
Humidity & MistingSea Holly tolerates a wide range of humidity levels. It naturally thrives in dry to moderate humidity environments, as it is drought-resistant. High humidity is not required for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, good airflow, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleEryngium × zabelii 'Jos Eijking', commonly known as 'Sea Holly', begins its life cycle as a seed, typically requiring stratification or a period of cold to break dormancy. After germination, the seedling develops a rosette of basal leaves and a deep taproot that allows it to access water and nutrients. As the plant matures, it produces a sturdy flowering stem and distinctive spiky blue or silver-tinged flowers and bracts during the summer months; this is also when pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, are attracted to the plant for nectar. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, which can disperse to produce new plants, or the seeds can be collected for propagation. In the fall, the above-ground parts of the perennial plant die back, although the root system remains alive underground during winter dormancy. With the return of spring, the life cycle starts anew with the emergence of fresh growth from the overwintering roots.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The Sea Holly, specifically the Eryngium × zabelii 'Jos Eijking', is most commonly propagated by division. This method is usually performed in spring or early fall, to ensure the plant has time to establish before the extremes of summer heat or winter cold. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the soil and use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root ball into several sections, each with a portion of root and several shoots. Replant the sections at the same depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow enough space for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well and maintain consistent moisture until they are well-established.
