Sea Holly 'Pen Blue'

From late spring the bracts begin to form over the upright foliage stems. Changing from green to blue and lasting into autumn, they offer incredible value. The collar of jagged spikes spread wide, creating quite an impact in the garden or an arrangement.

You can choose to leave the flower stems standing through winter, they can remain ornamental and the birds can enjoy them. Simply cut them back early spring to make way for the new growth.

Sea Holly are the perfect complement to a cottage border and as they establish you will get to enjoy more and more of their fabulous flowers. If you dead head the spent flowers throughout the season, you can increase bloom time and enjoy more florets – we have had it in flower from November to May. Blooms suitable for picking and drying.

Plant Sea Holly ‘Violetta’ in a sunny spot to get the best colouring. Sea Holly grows best in moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. Though, in saying this, they are quite adaptable as they are endemic to poor, dry and rocky soils. Good drainage is the most important element and they can thrive in hot, dry sites once established. Give them a bit of space to do their thing, I’ve had mine crowded out by various grasses and perennials over the years, so am looking forward to re-establishing a space for them. Tolerant of coastal conditions.

Sea Holly is a member of the parsley family, Apiaceae. Syn. E. x olivierianum.