Eryngium planum Blue Glitter (Flat Sea Holly)
Eryngium Planum 'Blue Glitter' (Flat Sea Holly) is an extraordinarily eye-catching perennial with its multitude of glittering steel-blue flowers, tightly packed into egg-shaped heads, that light up the garden throughout summer. They are produced on intensely silver-blue stems and stand high above the basal rosette of blue-green, deeply toothed, smooth textured leaves. 'Blue Glitter' is an improvement over older varieties because it matures quickly, produces a greater number of flowers, and has a more intense blue flower color. It does not require vernalization to bloom, which is an advantage to gardeners in southern zones. Its beautiful texture, unique color, long-lasting flowering, easy care, and remarkable qualities as cut flowers make it a favorite of florists, gardeners, bees, and butterflies. Eryngium planum is one of the hardiest sea hollies, and it has proven to be a reliable, long-lived perennial.
- Recipient of the Fleuroselect Gold Medal, a prestigious award that symbolizes excellence in breeding and beauty
- Grows in clumps of stiffly erect, branched stems up to 3 ft. tall (90 cm).
- Thrives in full sun in dry, sandy, well-drained soils. The sunnier the site, the more intense the blue! Tolerates poor soils. Avoid planting this plant in moist and fertile soils, where it will tend to sprawl and may require support.
- Excellent choice for sun-baked, informal beds and borders or naturalistic plantings, where the steel blue flowers and foliage will superbly complement the vibrantly colored summer flowers. Ideal for small gardens. May be planted as a single specimen or in groupings. Perfect for cut or dried flower arrangements too!
- Deadhead to preserve a neat appearance. Cut back in late summer after flowering is over.
- Self-seeding may happen under satisfactory growing conditions but rarely becomes a nuisance.
- Transplants poorly and is best left undisturbed once established.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 12 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Eryngium – Sea Hollies |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18″ – 24″ (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |