Eryngium bourgatii 'Lapis Blue'

A very striking form of sea holly, with snowflake-like prickly bracts surrounding bold blue cones that stand out above the prickly green and white foliage. Initially steely blue when they open in midsummer, the flower heads mature to deep blue before fading to buff.

Showcase this architectural perennial in a gravel or dry garden, or combine it with Erigeron karvinskianus, Scabiosa and Stachys for a contrast in textures within a border. Much beloved by bees and other pollinators, you can cut back the faded flowers to encourage further blooming — but if left, they will stay upright into winter and look wonderful kissed by frost, while also providing a useful food source for birds. It thrives in free-draining, even poor soil in full sun, and is a popular stalwart of the coastal garden.

Synonym: Eryngium ‘Lapis Blue’

Height × Spread: 40cm × 50cm