Eryngium amethystinum

Eryngium amethystinum, commonly known as the Amethyst Sea Holly, is a striking perennial with metallic blue to violet flower heads and silvery, spiny foliage that brings an architectural elegance to summer gardens.

The leaves are glossy, thick and somewhat leathery, in the mid-green tones. There is a slight metallic reflection to them and fine spines on the edges of the leaves if you peer closely.

The flowers are borne on upright, branching stems, gathered into spherical or domed blue-toned heads, and are typically surrounded by striking bracts in shades of blue, mauve, purple, white, or green, cut and spiny.

It may resemble a type of thistle to some, but the powerful blue color and the graphic shape of these flowers sets it in another aesthetic category.

The fact that it holds its color for many months after being cut also makes it a stunning addition to any dry bouquet.

These plants are hardy and undemanding, with excellent drought tolerance.

They are ideal for gravel gardens, rockeries, wildflower meadows, borders, and the front of flowerbeds or mixed English-style borders.