Eryngium 'Blue Glitter'

Eryngium 'Blue Glitter': A Sparkling Tapestry of Texture and Light
Like scattered stardust in a summer meadow, Eryngium 'Blue Glitter' captivates with masses of silvery-blue flower heads held atop slender, upright stems. Fine and airy in habit yet dramatic in effect, this sea holly cultivar brings a dazzling shimmer to the garden, catching the sun and drawing in pollinators with its electric blue tones. Bred for floriferousness and ease of growth, it’s a refined performer that offers both structure and sparkle in naturalistic or contemporary plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 70–90 cm
• Spread: 40–60 cm, forming a tall, branching clump
• Flower Colour: Steel-blue cones with matching spiny bracts and silvery stems
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early autumn
• Foliage: Deep green, deeply lobed basal leaves with a leathery texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil; prefers sandy or rocky conditions

Uses and Benefits: Eryngium 'Blue Glitter' is especially valued for its abundance of blooms and strong, upright stems—perfect for cut flower production and dried arrangements. In the landscape, its spiky texture and metallic colouring add bold contrast to softer perennials and grasses. A beacon for bees and butterflies, it thrives in drought-prone sites, resists browsing by deer and rabbits, and provides long-lasting interest through summer and well into autumn.

Companion Plants: Pair Eryngium 'Blue Glitter' with Lavandula 'Grosso', whose broad violet spikes and fragrant silver foliage create a calming backdrop that highlights Blue Glitter’s shimmering stems. Add Stachys 'Hummelo', whose upright raspberry-pink flower spikes offer bold contrast in both form and colour. Complete the palette with Panicum 'Heavy Metal', a cool-toned ornamental grass that echoes the eryngium’s vertical habit and metallic sheen while adding graceful motion to the composition.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with sharply drained soil. Avoid overly rich or moist conditions, which can reduce flowering and promote floppiness. Once established, this plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal care. Deadhead for a tidier look, or leave flower heads standing for winter texture and architectural interest. Best grown undisturbed; division is rarely needed.

History: Eryngium 'Blue Glitter' is a selection of Eryngium planum, native to the steppes and grasslands of central and eastern Europe. It was bred for its compact, heavily branched habit and profusion of intensely coloured blooms. Its rugged ancestry and luminous presence have made it a favourite in both cutting gardens and ecological designs, offering a modern twist on a wild original.

Final Thoughts: Light-catching and long-lasting, Eryngium 'Blue Glitter' adds a refined brilliance to dry, sunny spaces. Its spiky blue blooms and wiry stems shimmer in the heat of summer, bringing energy, pollinator activity, and sculptural form to every planting. Whether in a gravel garden, wildflower meadow, or modern border, it sparkles with effortless style and steadfast beauty.