Eryngium variifolium ~ Moroccan Sea Holly
Eryngium variifolium is noted for its variegated or marbled foliage. The Moroccan Sea Holly is a great one for the dry flower arrangers. The Moroccan Sea Holly grows flower spikes 12-18 inches tall and gradually spreads by underground runners forming a loose cluster of plants. Small blue flowers bloom Summer into Fall. Plants don't transplant well, it is hard to get enough of the root. Eryngiun variifolium gets by on dry to moderately moist soils and grows best in full sun. Our plants have gone completely dormant each Winter. Eryngium variifolium is Winter hardy to zone 5. Eryngium variifolium attracts the Painted Lady, California Common Ringlet, Mormon Metalmark, Hedgerow Hairstreak, Great Purple Hairstreak, Gray Hairstreak and Common Buckeye with its nectar and is a nice addition to the butterfly garden.
Blue thistlelike flowers of Eryngium variifolium known as Moroccan Sea Holly. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.
Plants in the Eryngium genus featured on this site:
Eryngium planum * Blue Eryngo, Flat Sea Holly
Eryngium variifolium * Morrocan Sea Holly
Eryngium yuccifolium * Button Eryngo, Rattlesnake Master