Variable-leaved sea holly Eryngium variifolium

Water

Moroccan Sea Holly should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically this may be every 7 to 10 days, depending on climate conditions. It's important to avoid waterlogging, so provide enough water that it reaches the roots without leaving the soil soggy, around 1 to 1.5 gallons for an outdoor plant of average size. During its dormant period in winter, reduce watering frequency to prevent rot. Always check soil moisture levels before watering to ensure the plant actually needs additional moisture.

Light

Moroccan Sea Holly thrives in full sun, so it's best to place it in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but too little light may reduce the plant's vigor and bloom production. Ensure it's positioned where it can get unfiltered sunlight, such as a south-facing garden bed or a spot that has clear exposure to the sky.

Temperature

Moroccan Sea Holly can tolerate a range of temperatures and is quite hardy, generally surviving between 0 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it grows best in temperatures that are consistently between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing it in areas with extreme heat or cold drafts, as this can stress the plant.

Pruning

For Moroccan Sea Holly, pruning is mainly done to remove spent flower stalks and any damaged or dead foliage, which helps maintain its appearance and promote new growth. Prune these out after flowering or as needed throughout the growing season. Additionally, cutting back the plant in late fall or early winter can tidy up the garden and prepare the plant for its dormant period. The best time to prune heavily is when the plant is dormant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Moroccan Sea Holly thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range from 5.8 to 6.8. A soil mix with sharp sand or gravel can improve drainage. Adding decomposed compost or well-rotted manure will provide nutrition. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Repotting

Moroccan Sea Holly generally does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. It is essential to not disturb the taproot while repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Moroccan Sea Holly prefers a dry to average humidity environment. It is well-adapted to low humidity conditions and does not thrive in overly humid conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide full sun, well-drained soil, avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and ensure good air circulation.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Moroccan Sea Holly (Eryngium variifolium) begins its life cycle as a seed, often requiring a period of stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, which occurs in moist, well-drained soil, a seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of spiny variegated leaves. The plant then enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on root and foliage growth. After a few seasons, once it's mature enough, Moroccan Sea Holly produces tall, erect flowering stems in summer, with striking blue or steel-colored flowers that attract pollinators and are ideal for cut arrangements. Following pollination, seeds are set and disbursed, and the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, relying on the seeds to continue its life cycle. In milder climates, Moroccan Sea Holly can act as a perennial, resuming growth from its rootstock the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Propogation: Eryngium variifolium, commonly known as Moroccan Sea Holly, is most commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow seeds is either in autumn or late winter to early spring, when the temperature range is cool to avoid premature germination. To propagate by seed, first, cold stratify the seeds for two weeks to enhance germination by placing them in a sandwich bag with moist sand and storing them in the refrigerator. After stratification, the seeds are sowed shallowly, with a light covering of soil, in well-draining soil. The seeds typically germinate in 2 to 4 weeks when kept at temperatures between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they are transplanted into individual pots and later moved to their final position in the garden.