Eryngium 'Big Blue'

Eryngium 'Big Blue': Electric Steel-Blue Cones in Spiky Collars

Metallic steel-blue cones in spiky blue collars, like the plant raided a sci-fi costume department. 'Big Blue' looks dangerous because it kind of is: deer and rabbits won't touch it. ARMOUR PLATING, BUT MAKE IT FASHION.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Eryngium × zabelii 'Big Blue'
• Common Name: Sea Holly
• Height: 70–75 cm (27–29 in)
• Spread: 45–60 cm (1.5–2 ft)
• Flowers: Large, metallic steel-blue cones surrounded by spiny blue bracts, up to about 10 cm (4 in) across
• Bloom Time: Early to late summer (June to August)
• Foliage: Spiny green leaves at the base, with silvery-blue upper stems
• Features: Rabbit resistant, excellent cut and dried flower
• Plant Patent: USPP 20,636

Where to Plant: Plant it in the middle of a sunny border, in gravel and rock gardens, or anywhere hot and dry, and give it space in a cutting bed for fresh or dried stems. It tolerates salt better than many perennials, so it's worth trying near a driveway.

Companion Plants: Helenium autumnale rises behind the sea holly at 90 to 150 cm with yellow daisies from July to October, a warm contrast to steel blue. Sedum 'Dark Magic' adds pink flower heads at 30 to 38 cm from August to October. Along the front, Euphorbia myrsinites trails low with yellow flowers in May and June. All three love full sun and dry, well-drained soil.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average to poor, very well-drained soil. Sandy or gravelly soil is ideal. Rich or wet soil can make it floppy and shorten its life, so skip the fertilizer. Water through the first season, then only in long droughts. Sea holly grows a long taproot and doesn't like being moved or divided. Choose its spot carefully. Leave the flower heads in place for fall and winter structure, then cut the stems back in early spring. Wear gloves, because the bracts are prickly.

History: 'Big Blue' was found in 1997 by Jeff Hodson at Myerscough College in Lancashire, England, as a chance seedling of Eryngium × zabelii, and was introduced through Blooms of Bressingham. Sea hollies belong to the carrot family, though they look more like thistles.

Final Thoughts: Cut a few for a dried arrangement and you'll have blue in the house until spring. THE BEES WILL FIGHT YOU FOR THE REST.