Family

Apiaceae

Description

Miss Willmott’s ghost is a striking biennial known for its silvery bracts and spiny, cone-shaped flower heads that shimmer in full sun. Named after the Edwardian gardener Ellen Willmott, who was said to secretly scatter its seeds in other people’s gardens, this sea holly species makes a bold architectural statement in borders and dry gardens. Once established, it self-sows lightly and pairs beautifully with other drought-tolerant companions, such as grasses.

Native to the Caucasus and Iran, Eryngium giganteum thrives in well-drained soils and full sun. Its deep taproot makes it extremely drought-tolerant, but it is also difficult to transplant. Though short-lived, it can persist in a garden through self-seeding, especially in gravelly soils. Bees and other pollinators are frequent visitors when the thistle-like flowers bloom in summer.

Bloom Time

June to August

Range / Habitat

western Asia