Miss Willmott's Ghost
eryngium giganteum
Also known as: ["Miss Willmott's Ghost","Giant Sea Holly"]
Overview
A striking herbaceous perennial with silvery-white, spiky flowers and foliage, native to the Caucasus region.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Eryngium |
| Botanical Name: | Eryngium giganteum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border or mixed perennial bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but thrives with enrichment.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; deadheading flowers can be done weekly or bi-weekly.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing spent blooms and damaged parts without drastically cutting back
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral, pH 6.5–7.5.
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter in heavy soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoids prolonged frost.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in dormant periods; use a balanced NPK ratio.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag if needed.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools to cut flower stalks just above a leaf node or healthy bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; trim dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged parts, sterilize tools, make clean cuts, dispose of clippings, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare fresh soil, inspect roots, trim if needed, repot carefully, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or damage if exposed to freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter, move containers indoors, or cover with mulch in ground plantings.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may become stunted in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply to soil, avoid foliage, follow seasonal schedule.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicEryngium giganteum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicEryngium giganteum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicEryngium giganteum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It is a member of the Apiaceae family and is primarily cultivated for ornamental purposes.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Eryngium giganteum grow?
A: It typically reaches 2–3 feet in height.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is it suitable for cutting and drying?
A: Yes, its unique flowers are excellent for dried flower arrangements.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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