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Description
Eryngium Maritimum, commonly known as sea holly or seaside eryngo, is a perennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the coasts of Europe, including the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Baltic seas. The plant is known for its beautiful blue-gray foliage and spiky flowers that bloom in summer. It can grow up to 1 meter in height and spread up to 0.5 meters in width.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Eryngium |
Appearance
The plant has a unique appearance with its blue-gray leaves that are spiny and deeply lobed. The foliage is evergreen and can grow up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide. The flowers of Eryngium Maritimum are cone-shaped and made up of tiny blue or white flowers surrounded by spiky bracts. The flowers can reach up to 5 cm in diameter and bloom from July to September.
Care Guide
Eryngium Maritimum is a low-maintenance plant that is suitable for coastal gardens. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some moisture. Water it regularly during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.
- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require heavy fertilization but can benefit from an all-purpose fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil that is well-draining. It can tolerate slightly alkaline or acidic soil.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eryngium Maritimum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to snails, slugs, and aphids. Powdery mildew and rust can also affect the plant in humid conditions. To prevent these problems, keep the plant in well-ventilated areas and remove any infected leaves or flowers.
Habitat
Eryngium Maritimum is native to coastal regions and can be found in sandy or rocky areas near the sea. It can tolerate salt spray and can grow in areas with little soil. The plant is also suitable for gardens and can be grown in containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eryngium Maritimum a good plant for coastal gardens?
A: Yes, Eryngium Maritimum is a great plant for coastal gardens as it can tolerate salt spray and sandy soil.
Q: Does Eryngium Maritimum require heavy fertilization?
A: No, Eryngium Maritimum doesn’t require heavy fertilization but can benefit from an all-purpose fertilizer in the spring.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Eryngium Maritimum?
A: Eryngium Maritimum is relatively pest and disease-free but can be susceptible to snails, slugs, and aphids. Powdery mildew and rust can also affect the plant in humid conditions.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Eryngium Maritimum?
A: Eryngium Maritimum is hardy in USDA zones 4-10.
Related Plants
- Eryngium planum
- Eryngium giganteum
- Eryngium yuccifolium
- Eryngium bourgatii
References
- “Eryngium Maritimum.” Royal Horticultural Society, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11853/i-Eryngium-maritimum-i/Details.
- “Eryngium Maritimum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282736.
- “Eryngium Maritimum.” The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/eryngium-maritimum-profile-4692732.
