Eryngium bourgatii Picos Amethyst (Mediterranean Sea Holly)
Introducing a bold statement in the landscape, Eryngium bourgatii 'Picos Amethyst' (Mediterranean Sea Holly) is a striking 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, amethyst-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!
- Grows in clumps of stiffly erect, branched stems up to 22-24 in. tall and wide (55-60 cm),
- Thrives in full sun in 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 as 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 seedheads are a very attractive feature so are usually left over winter
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5 – 9 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Eryngium – Sea Hollies |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24″ (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, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |