Eryngium giganteum, commonly known as Miss Willmott’s Ghost, is a deciduous perennial herb native to rocky and coastal areas, grasslands, and dry hillsides in the Caucasus and Turkey. It typically grows to a height of 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches). This plant is characterized by its striking architectural form, with branched heads of pale green conical flowerheads surrounded by spiny, silver-blue bracts that appear in summer. The flowers mature to an intense steel blue. Miss Willmott’s Ghost is particularly noted for its ghostly silvery-gray appearance, which is most pronounced in its second year, just before it sets seed and dies. It is often grown as a biennial due to its monocarpic nature, meaning it usually dies after flowering.

Miss Willmott’s Ghost is valued for its unique color and texture in the garden. It provides a strong vertical accent and is often used in borders, gravel gardens, and coastal plantings. Its dramatic presence is enhanced when planted against a dark background or in mass plantings. The plant prefers full sun and is drought-tolerant once established, requiring only moderate watering. It thrives in well-drained soil and is relatively low-maintenance. The cultivar ’Silver Ghost’ is especially prized for its more pronounced silvery hue. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if kept in poorly drained soils. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for areas with wildlife pressure.CC BY-SA 4.0