Help Identifying Plants

newgardeners2020

Can anyone identify the following 2 plants. We think the thistle type one might be known as Sea Holly - but is it a particular variety? The white flowers - we have no idea! They were in someone else's garden but we'd like to get some. Any advice on growing these appreciated too. There is a further plant we'd like help with, but I'll put that as a separate post to avoid confusion (ours!). Thanks

bullfinch

The white one looks a bit like a mallow I have, though mine has pink flowers.

yorkshirerose

I agree with mallow. Your Eryngium may be a variety called 'Big Blue'

Silver surfer

1. Malva moschata alba.


https://www.google.com/search?q=malva+moschata+alba&client=firefox-b-d&channel=crow&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiBo_bwhb_jAhWMiFwKHSAtAisQ_AUIESgB&biw=1920&bih=944

2. Eryngium sp.

BobTheGardener

Yes, the white one is Musk Mallow (Malva moschata) which varies from white to pastel pink.  A very pretty and well behaved wildflower.

newgardeners2020

@BobTheGardener - is this possible to split? When should it be done? Should it be cut right back in autumn? Thanks

newgardeners2020

@Silver surfer - thanks for the links, very helpful.

BobTheGardener

@newgardeners2020 No, they are single-stemmed so can't be split but they are very easy to grow from collected seed.  You can sow it when the pods begin to naturally open and they will often germinate and overwinter as small plants, or will germinate in spring.  They are short-lived perennials but often grow naturally as annuals.  I've had a couple last 3 years but most just one or two.