Sea Holly

Eryngium bourgatii

• Position: full sun
• Soil: dry, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July and August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Easily recognised by their ruff of spiky bracts surrounding a prominent, cone-like centre of tiny flowers, sea hollies make a bold statement in a sunny border or gravel garden. This variety produces deeply cut, blue or grey-green bracts 6cm across on stiff green stems in July and August. The attractive, dark green, marbled foliage, which appears before the flowers, is shown off to best effect planted in gravel. Or try it in bold clumps among grasses. Eryngiums are also perfect for use in dried flower arrangements.
  

• Garden care: Lift and divide large colonies in spring. Avoid the temptation to cut back the flower-heads in autumn as they provide interest in the winter garden.