Eryngium aquaticum (Marsh Eryngo) [25 Seeds]

$4.25

Germination Information: I recommend these seeds only for gardeners who are experienced with seeds that benefit from or require a chilling period.

The easiest approach is to sow the seeds (barely covered) in fall to early winter, setting the pot outdoors in a spot protected from mice and slugs so they can get a chilling period and then germinate when conditions are right in spring.

If you sow after January, give the pot of sown seeds an artificial chilling period of about 2 months.

It is possible that these seeds could germinate (though perhaps at a lower than optimal percentage) if you sow them in warm, moist, bright conditions. But if you try that and no seedlings appear within a month or so, then try the 2-month artificial chilling period.

Note that this information will not appear on the seed packet you receive.

Please read the description as well before ordering.

In stock

Description

Sea hollies (Eryngium) are wickedly cool plants, usually with silvery blue flowerheads and lots of spines. Unfortunately, I don’t have much luck growing them here, except for rattlesnake master (E. yuccifolium), because my soil tends to be on the moist to wet side in winter. A few years ago, I ran across seeds of marsh eryngo (E. aquaticum) from a source in southeastern PA, and it sounded promising as far as moisture tolerance. It wasn’t particularly interesting the first year, when it was just a clump of narrow, somewhat leathery, green leaves, but wow, the next summer, it sent up 4- to 5-foot-tall stalks topped with many dozens of silvery white to silvery blue bloom clusters, each surrounded by spiny-looking bracts. The display begins here in late July and continues for months: even in October, as the first blooms mature their seeds, new clusters are still forming. The plants are likely to self sow.

One thing I particularly like about this species is that it seems less prone to sprawling than rattlesnake master. And, my hands appreciate that, while marsh eryngo appears to be as spiky as other sea hollies, the bracts are more soft than stiff, making it much easier to use the cut stems in arrangements. The flowers attract loads of pollinators, and the seedheads extend the season of interest well into winter. This one has quickly become one of my top favorite plants! Native to parts of eastern North America. Full sun. Moist to wet soil is best, but the species can apparently tolerate average garden soil as well. Apparently biennial or a short-lived perennial (I will know more once I have grown it a few more years); Zones 6 to 9.

Collected in late September to mid October 2022. At least 25 seeds. PA ecotype. Shipping to US addresses only.

Please read the germination information as well before ordering.

About Hayefield Seeds

Ordering Information

Shipping Information

Shipping Restrictions

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.