How to make my sea holly happy?

I bought a small sea holly plant on impulse, because I love the plant but knowing that the soil in my garden is quite heavy and wet.

I don't normally even attempt to grow things in unfriendly conditions, but is there any way I can enjoy this plant? In a container perhaps??

Does anyone have any ideas?

 

Have you anywhere in your garden that is drier than the rest - perhaps somewhere that gets sun for most of the day? Otherwise, in a container as you mention. Beware, small plants can take a while before they bloom, but worth it when they do

 

Hi MoonBoots.

I have been growing Eryngium planum for about three years in heavy clay, and so far it seems to have thrived. You could possibly grow it in a container, but it has a tap root and I suspect that it would be much happier in the soil.

One suggestion is to grow it in the best drained part of your garden, which might be the highest part. Or you could grow it and other similar plants on an artificial hump, possibly at the back of the border. I saw a program about a chap who created long artificial mounds about six feet high (I am not suggesting that height). In between the mounds there was a valley. On the top of the mounds he grew plants that needed dry/well drained conditions, and at the bottom in the valleys, where all the water collected, he grew bog type plants. And in between he had in betweens. :D

The other suggestion is to dig a deep hole where you plan to plant it, then fill the hole with a mixture of soil and compost to which sharp sand and/or grit has been added. Or possibly a combination of the two ideas.

And as SussexG says - it will like sun.

 

Great thanks for the suggestions.
Haven't seen much sun for a few weeks now, so holly is sitting in it's pot still.
Think I'll try it in the main sunny bed for now, until I get the rest of my beds in the sun dug in the spring!

cheers