Eryngium bourgatii (Mediterranean Sea Holly)

Eryngium bourgatii (Mediterranean Sea Holly) is a lovely addition to the garden or mixed containers for various reasons. Unlike other species, its deeply lobed, dark green foliage, which appears before the flowers, is elegantly marbled with broad silvery white veins, making it very attractive and luminous.

• In mid-late summer, its branched stems produce extraordinarily eye-catching, cone-like flower-heads with narrow, spiny, silvery-blue bracts that make wonderful additions to dried flower arrangements. The beautiful texture and unique color of this perennial plant, coupled with its long-lasting flowering, easy care and remarkable qualities as cut flowers make it a favorite of gardeners. Bees and butterflies love them too!
• Growing in clumps of stiffly erect, branched stems up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm), Eryngium bourgatii prefers full sun and enjoys dry, well-drained soils. The sunnier the site, the more intense the blue and the better protection from winter wet! Tolerates poor to moderately fertile soils.
• Excellent choice for sun baked, beds and borders, containers, city gardens, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, rock or gravel gardens, where the steel blue flowers and silvery foliage will superbly complement the vibrantly colored summer flowers and contrast. May be planted a single specimen or in groupings (minimum 3 to 5 plants). Perfect for cut or dried flower arrangements.
• Drought and rabbit resistant!
• Propagate by root cuttings in late winter. Although you can cut back flower stems after flowering the seed heads are a very attractive feature so are usually left over winter