Agave-leaf sea holly is a distinctive perennial for the Northwest. Because true agaves do not like Snohomish County’s cold and wet winters, with a little imagination this can serve as a good substitute. Its flat, semi-evergreen foliage rosettes, sometimes 2 feet across, add interest to the sun garden. Each glossy dark-green leaf is 16 to 24 inches long and sword-shaped with sharply toothed edges. In late summer, it puts up a 4- to 5-foot flower stems bearing spiny, 2-inch, greenish-white, thimble-shaped blooms. As the season progresses, flowers mature to a dark chocolate-brown and last until mid-winter. Also known as eryngium agavifolium, this plant is attractive to bees and butterflies and is also deer resistant. It grows best in moist, well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Once established, it is drought tolerant. Though this tough perennial is relatively short lived, it will reseed itself into the garden. Spare seedlings are easily removed or relocated as young plants. To clean up agave-leaf sea holly, remove spent blooms and older brown leaves in late winter or early spring. Wear leather gloves. Its spines are sharp.
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