Eryngium variifolium

Sea Holly is a strikingly attractive plant bearing rounded deep blue flowers and dark green, heart shaped leaves on upright stems in Summer. Cut hard back in Autumn

Plant eryngiums where there is bright light, poor soil and good drainage in order to develop a strong, rigid framework and steely patina. If grown on damp, heavy soil (or in wetter parts of the country) most eryngiums stems tend to flop and become a dull, grey-green. However, eryngiums are very diverse: there are over 240 species worldwide. If you really want to grow them, try one or two in the driest hot spots you have. Some even do well on clay. Overwintering can be a problem, so choose a warm position and be prepared to protect a choice plant with fleece or straw in severe weather. These jagged plants need their own space to shine. They make a statement in a warm gravel garden planted among sun- lovers. Or use it as a plant sculpture at the forefront of a sunny, open area with bold planting behind