Eryngium 'Blue Glitter'

Eryngium 'Blue Glitter': Sparkling Blue Thistles on Long Stems

Steel-blue cones framed in spiny silver-blue bracts, on stems that are blue too, because 'Blue Glitter' committed to the theme. It looks like somebody bedazzled a thistle. SPARKLE WITHOUT THE CRAFT STORE MESS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Eryngium planum 'Blue Glitter'
• Common Name: Sea Holly
• Height: 90 cm (3 ft) in flower
• Spread: 30–45 cm (1–1.5 ft)
• Flowers: Small steel-blue cones framed by spiny silver-blue bracts, held at the tips of branching blue stems
• Bloom Time: Early to late summer (June to August)
• Foliage: Rounded, leathery basal leaves, mid-green to blue-green
• Features: Excellent cut or dried flower

Where to Plant: Its narrow, upright shape slips into the middle of a sunny border without crowding, and it also suits a gravel or prairie-style bed. The long, sturdy stems make it a favourite for a cut-flower bed.

Companion Plants: Anaphalis margaritacea 'New Snow' adds white everlasting flowers at 45 to 60 cm from July to September. Aster 'Purple Dome' brings a compact mound of purple from August to October. Along the front, Pennisetum 'Little Bunny' forms a small, soft grass that flowers from August to October. Spiky, round and fine textures sit well together in full sun.

Plant Care: Give it full sun and well-drained, average to sandy soil. Rich, wet soil leads to floppy stems, and wet feet in winter can rot the crown. Heavy clay should be amended with grit or planted on a slope or raised bed. Water regularly in the first season, then only in extended dry spells. Like other sea hollies it has a deep taproot and doesn't enjoy being moved. Leave the seed heads for winter structure and cut back in early spring. It can self-seed lightly, so deadhead if you'd like to keep it in one place.

History: Flat sea holly, Eryngium planum, comes from the dry grasslands of central and eastern Europe into western Asia and, despite its name, belongs to the carrot family rather than true holly. 'Blue Glitter' is a seed-grown selection chosen for its abundant flowers and strongly coloured blue stems.

Final Thoughts: Cut a handful for the vase and let them dry right there. GLITTER THAT NEVER ENDS UP IN YOUR CARPET.