Eryngium planum Blue Hobbit (Sea Holly)

Noted for its petite size, Eryngium planum ‘Blue Hobbit’ (Sea Holly) is a compact perennial boasting a profusion of spiny, egg-shaped, purplish-blue flower heads throughout the summer. They are produced on silver-blue stems and stand high above the basal rosette of deeply toothed, smooth textured leaves.

Noted for its petite size, Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit' (Sea Holly) is a compact perennial boasting a profusion of spiny, egg-shaped, purplish-blue flower heads throughout the summer. They are produced on silver-blue stems and stand high above the basal rosette of deeply toothed, smooth textured leaves. 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. This unique dwarf Sea Holly is ideal for the front of a sunny border or in mixed containers.

  • Growing in clumps of stiffly erect, branched stems up to 8-12 in. tall (20-30 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 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

Heat Zones 1
– 12

Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Eryngium – Sea Hollies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 8"
– 1'
(20cm
– 30cm)
Spread 6"
– 1'
(15cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 6″
– 12″
(15cm
– 30cm)
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, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Salt
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage