Easily recognised by their ruff of spiky bracts surrounding a prominent, cone-like centre of tiny flowers, sea hollies make a bold statement in a sunny border or gravel garden. This variety produces deeply cut, blue or grey-green bracts 6cm across on stiff green stems in July and August. The attractive, dark green, marbled foliage, which appears before the flowers, is shown off to best effect planted in gravel.
Eryngium bourgatii also looks great when planted in bold clumps among grasses. The spiky flowerheads make wonderful additions to dried flower arrangements.
How to care for Eryngium bourgatii:
Eryngium thrives in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, while avoiding areas prone to wet winter conditions.
To enhance winter interest in your garden, resist cutting back the striking flower heads in autumn; instead, leave them to add structure through the colder months.
In spring, trim back the old stems to make way for fresh growth from the emerging foliage, ensuring the plant remains healthy and vigorous for the new season.