Sea Holly

Botanical Name: Eryngium planum
Meaning: Thistle
Cultivation: Full sun in well-drained soil
Colors: Lavender, Violet
Bloom Time: Mid Summer
Uses: An interesting natural blue accent
Regions: Mountaineous regions of India, USA

Cultivation of Sea Holly
Sea holly is cultivated in a place with full sun having well-drained and preferably a gravel soil. The roots will not grow large or as fleshy if grown in a gravel soil. Plenty of sun is essential for all varieties. The best time to transplant the roots is in autumn, when the leaves decay. The young roots are much better to transplant. They will require no more culture than to be kept free from weeds.

Drying Sea Holly
Sea holly is picked up when the flowers are in full bloom. They are collected and bunches are made out of it. These bunches are tied together and hanged upside down in a dark and well-ventilated place. After drying take them, untie the flowers and carefully store them in a safe place away from direct sunlight.

Uses of Sea Holly
Dried sea holly is excellent flower with a natural blue accent. They are used as a decorative in winter bouquets. The dried root of the plant is powdered to aid tissue regeneration. Dried petals are added to healing mixtures and potpourries.