bloomloves sea holly

piky, strikingly architectural and steely blue, sea holly – or – makes its home in coastal and dry habitats, loving the edge of the beach. It’s an extremely hardy plant: drought-resistant, unbothered about soil type and pretty unfazed by pests and disease, it thrives even when neglected. Even though sea holly shares its looks with the common thistle, it’s not in the same family and isn’t invasive – many species of sea holly are ideal for the garden, no sea spray necessary. Simply sow in autumn for a tough little number that flowers without fuss from late June to September and is beloved by pollinators. Once cut, the flowerheads dry quickly without wilting or fading; they stay vibrant and majestic, making them a great pick for dried arrangements. All hail the king of the dunes!