Sea Holly. A clump-forming perennial with greyish-purple, spiky cone-like flowerheads on silvery-purple stems with spiky foliage. Height and Spread 50cm. Flowers July to September. Full sun, well drained soil. Hardy.
Eryngium planum ‘Magical Anita’, also known as Sea Holly, is an eye-catching perennial that features unique greyish-purple, spiky cone-like flowerheads. This stunning plant thrives in gardens, attracting bees and other pollinators. To help your Eryngium planum ‘Magical Anita’ flourish and produce beautiful blooms, follow this comprehensive planting and aftercare guide.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Eryngium planum ‘Magical Anita’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the plant to establish strong roots before the growing season begins, ensuring healthy development and abundant flowers.
Autumn: Alternatively, plant your Eryngium in early autumn. This gives the plant a chance to settle in before the winter months, which will lead to better growth the following spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Eryngium thrives in full sun. Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and vibrant flower production.
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for the success of Eryngium planum ‘Magical Anita’. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, so ensure proper drainage to avoid root rot. To improve soil quality, you can mix in some organic matter like compost.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: When planting Eryngium planum ‘Magical Anita’, dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This gives the plant ample space for its roots to spread out and grow.
Soil Preparation: Incorporate compost or organic matter into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage. Eryngium benefits from well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that supports vigorous growth and vibrant flowers.
Planting: Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole with soil and press down to eliminate any air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Thoroughly water after planting. This helps settle the soil and encourages the roots to establish. Ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Eryngium is fairly drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Be careful not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root problems.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering during the dormant season, as Eryngium requires minimal moisture at this time. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give your Eryngium a strong start to the growing season. This will support healthy growth and encourage a robust flowering display.
Mid-Summer: If needed, you can provide a light feed in mid-summer to encourage continued blooming. However, Eryngium generally does well with minimal fertilisation, so avoid overfeeding.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly deadhead your Eryngium to remove spent flowers. This will help prolong the blooming period, keep the plant tidy, and encourage new flower production.
Autumn Pruning: Once flowering has finished and the plant starts to die back in autumn, cut the plant back to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and promotes healthy growth the following year.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in spring to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches such as bark chips or compost work best.
Winter: In colder climates, add mulch around the plant in winter to help protect the roots from cold temperatures. This will ensure your Eryngium survives through the winter and comes back strong the next season.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Eryngium planum ‘Magical Anita’ typically grows to about 50 cm tall with spiky flowers on sturdy stems. However, if you live in a particularly windy area, you may need to stake the plant to prevent damage.
Final Tips
Eryngium planum ‘Magical Anita’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds a unique, architectural element to your garden. By planting it in full sun, well-drained soil, and following the care tips above, your Eryngium will reward you with beautiful, spiky flower heads from July to September. This hardy plant is perfect for coastal gardens, borders, and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
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