Sea Holly

Did you know?

Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum) is native to most European coastlines. It resembles a flowering thistle with blue flowers. The protected dune plant grows to a height of 20 to 60 cm. Although widespread, it is considered endangered and it has already dissappeared from some areas. In Elizabethan times these plants were considered an aphrodisiac. In this context sea holly is mentioned by Falstaff in Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”

Selection and Care

Choose healthy looking bunches with green leaves. Avoid yellow leaves or smelly plants. Sea holly is a distinctive plant that works well in a bunch with other flowers. Cut a minimum of 2cm off the stem, strip the bottom leaves off, and put in cold water with a flower preservative. Sea Holly and its water can smell so replace water and preservative daily.

Availability

Most of the year.