<p>{Family: Umbelliferae} This short-lived, clump-forming perennial (or biennial) grows to a height of 3-4ft (1-1.2m) and spreads about 30in (75cm). The leaves are heart-shaped and mid-green, and it bears large, rounded blue or pale green thistle heads surrounded by silvery bracts. It dies after its late summer flowering but if conditions are good, its seeds will thrive.</p><p>All Sea Hollies like dry sandy loam soil and full sun conditions. They are very tolerant of salt and wind, and are found in the wild growing alongside the ocean. They are hardy and easy care plants. Propagate them from seed easily, or take root cuttings in the autumn. Because they have a long taproot, division is not recommended.</p><p>This plant was introduced from the Caucasus in 1820, and has a spectral look in the twilight which might well justify its common name. It is said that when visiting gardens, Ellen Wilmott used to surreptitiously drop a few seeds of this plant here and there to surprise the owners in due course with its bony bracts.</p>
