Eryngium planum White Glitter | Flat Sea Holly

Eryngium planum White Glitter | Flat Sea Holly Seeds

Eryngium planum ‘White Glitter’ is a striking perennial renowned for its shimmering, silvery-white flower heads and spiny, architectural form. A premium choice for modern gardens and floral design, this Flat Sea Holly variety offers exceptional texture, structure, and lasting beauty — both fresh and dried.

Thriving in hot, sunny, and dry conditions, Eryngium planum ‘White Glitter’ is easy to grow and highly drought-tolerant once established. Its metallic blooms are long-lasting and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it as functional as it is beautiful. Perfect for borders, rock gardens, and cut flower production.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Eryngium planum
• Cultivar: ‘White Glitter’
• Common name: Flat Sea Holly, Plains Eryngo
• Type: Hardy perennial
• Flower color: White with metallic sheen
• Days to germination: 7–10 days at 22–24 °C
• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spacing: 45–60 cm
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Dry, sandy, well-drained (tolerates saline soil)
• Hardiness zones: 3–8
• Life cycle: Perennial, flowering in the first year without vernalization
• Blooming period: Summer – early autumn

Sowing & Growing Instructions

• When to sow:
  • Indoors: 10–16 weeks before planting out (late winter to early spring).
• How to sow:
  • Surface sow; light is required for germination.
  • Keep soil moist but not wet; bottom watering is recommended.
  • Germination in 7–10 days at 22–24 °C.
  • Transplant seedlings into cell packs or 5–10 cm pots once large enough to handle.
  • Harden off and plant outdoors after the last frost.
• Growing conditions:
  • Best grown at 13–16 °C after germination.
  • Avoid overwatering and excessive heat (> 21 °C).
  • Prefers full sun and poor, well-drained soil.
  • Clumps spread slowly and can remain undisturbed for years.

Care & Harvest

• Harvest (fresh or dried): Cut when the entire flower head and bracts turn white.
• Drying: Hang upside down in a dark, well-ventilated place or use silica/desiccant for best color preservation.
• Maintenance: Minimal. Extremely drought-tolerant once established.
• Companion plants: Pairs beautifully with grasses, lavender, echinacea, and other perennials.

Why Grow Eryngium ‘White Glitter’?

✔ First-year flowering without vernalization
✔ Long-lasting, spiny flowers for fresh or dried use
✔ Thrives in hot, dry, sunny locations
✔ Excellent structural plant for floral arrangements
✔ Pollinator-friendly & low maintenance