Common Name: sea holly
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Apiaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 1.75 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.25 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Description: Lavender-blue
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Good Cut, Good Dried
Leaf: Colorful
Other: Thorns
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
'Neptune's Gold' grows best in dry, rocky or sandy, well-draining soils in full sun. Prefers soils with low fertility. Rich, moist, humusy soil will cause them to flop and necessitate staking. Tolerant of salt spray and drought.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Eryngium is a genus of about 230 species of annuals, biennials and perennials, Some are from dry, rocky coastal areas of Europe, North Africa, Turkey, Central Asia, China and North Korea. These are tough, drought-resistant plants usually with a taproot. Others are from Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and warm-temperate regions of North America, Central America and South America. They are more water-loving and are more fibrous rooted. Cultural requirements of hybrids is dependent upon species involved in the cross. All are known for their dense central head and attractive bracts.
Genus name comes from an ancient Greek name used by Theophrastus for a plant which grew in Greece (probably Eryngium campestre) or is a Greek reference to the prickly or spiny nature of plants in this genus.
'Neptune's Gold' is a unique cultivar of sea holly with striking, lavender-blue flowers and stems contrasted against chartreuse to yellow foliage. The spiny bracts can sport varying gradients of chartreuse and blue. The plants have an upright and sturdy growth habit, reaching up to 2' tall with a 1.25" spread. Plant patent number PP27092 applies to this cultivar.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Suitable for sunny and dry borders and beds, gravel gardens, coastal gardens, and cottage gardens. Effective as a single specimen or in small groupings. Excellent as a cut flower and dries well.