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. It 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:
Lift and divide large colonies in spring. Avoid the temptation to cut back the flower-heads in autumn as they provide interest in the winter garden.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.