Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil is bone dry.
- Look for signs of extreme heat or wind exposure.
- Examine the leaves for any signs of pests.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The tips of the leaves turn dry and crispy, especially during hot summer weather.
What to do: Water the plant deeply once a week during dry spells. Ensure the water reaches the root zone rather than just wetting the surface.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The brown tips appear during a heatwave even if the soil is moist.
What to do: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to keep the roots cool. The plant will recover once temperatures drop.
Find out what's wrong with your sea holly
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Brown tips are rarely fatal and are common during the height of summer. Only worry if the browning spreads rapidly to the entire leaf.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain consistent moisture during the first year and mulch the base to protect roots from heat.
Sea Holly: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sea holly and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Should I trim off the brown tips?
- You can trim them for aesthetic reasons using clean scissors. It will not hurt the plant.
- Is my plant dying if the tips are brown?
- No, it is likely just reacting to heat or dry soil. It will continue to grow fine.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sea Holly
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.