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
👨🌾GARDENING TIP👨🌾:
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- ✂️ Cut back dry stems in late winter.
- 🪰 All sea hollies live longer in soils that are not too rich > they thrive in poor soils, even gravelly, sandy, dry, or calcareous, as long as drainage is excellent.
- 🏠 Avoid transplanting once established, as their roots are fragile and break easily. If division is necessary, it should be carried out with great care.
🌱🌿pdA Garden Buddy Suggestions🌱🌿 :
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- Festuca, Stipa, Achillea, Artemisia, Aster, Ballota, Campanula, Centranthus, Erodium, Euphorbia, Gaura, hardy Geraniums, Marrubium, Phlomis, sages, Verbena, Veronica
The Tales:
The name Eryngium comes from the Greek Eryngion, given to this plant by the philosopher, naturalist, and botanist Theophrastus.
The best known species in the Eryngium family is Eryngium maritimum, the sea holly.
It is considered a protected plant in France as its survival is threatened by trampling.
Its value is unique – a high tolerance to salinitiy in the air, an ability to develop and flourish in poor soils thanks to a deep tap root system – Eryngium maritimum helps stabilize coastal sand dunes.
There was also a time when the roots of this species, rich in iron and other minerals, were candied after peeling or used to flavor sweets, somewhat like marshmallow. Apparently it’s sweet? I cannot speak to this, I haven’t tried it yet!
Other Names:
Amethyst eryngo
Italian eryngo
Amethyst sea holly
Origin:
Eastern Mediterranean
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