Sea Holly 'Big Blue'

Eryngium × zabelii 'Big Blue' is a spectacular and architectural sea holly that produces some of the most intense blue flowers in the plant world. Its large, cone-like flower heads are surrounded by a dramatic collar of spiny, silvery-blue bracts that intensify in colour as the season progresses. Even the stems themselves take on a vivid electric blue hue. The foliage is basal, forming a rosette of deeply lobed, silver-marbled green leaves. Reaching about 75cm in height, this perennial is a standout feature in a gravel garden, a sunny border, or a coastal planting scheme. It is highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. 'Big Blue' thrives in full sun and requires very well-drained soil; it will fail in waterlogged conditions over winter. It is drought-tolerant once established and possesses a deep taproot, so it is best left undisturbed. The dried flower heads provide excellent winter interest in the garden and are also popular for dried floral arrangements.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Poor to moderately fertile, very well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.