Eryngium zabelii Big Blue

Photos courtesy of Adobestock

Big Blue sea holly’s spiky features — sharply pointed leaves, bracts and inflorescences — give it an otherworldly feel, but this fascinating perennial even works in traditional garden settings. It has a dip-dyed appearance, as the upper flowers, stems and leaves are deep blue-violet, fading into silvery blue-green, grounded with deep blue-green basal foliage.

The thistle-like, violet-blue flowers bloom from June through August. In the fall and winter, flowers hold their form as a dried seed head. Flowers also attract a variety of bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The plants grow up to 2½ feet tall and feature strong stems.

Both blooming and dried flower heads are ideal as cut flowers. Big Blue sea holly is a drought tolerant plant that prefers well-drained, poor soils. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.