Eryngium alpinum 'Blue Star'

About this cultivar:

Eryngium alpinum ‘Blue Star’ typically has flower heads, bracts, stems and leaves are a more intense metallic blue than what is found on the straight species. 

Eryngium alpinum is native to subalpine rocky areas and moist pastures in central and southeastern Europe. The foliage is nothing special compared to other Eryngium, but really you get this one for the flowers! A bit smaller than other Eryngium with bushier flower rosettes. The rosettes are almost soft and fluffy, nice to run your hand through, in contrast to other Eryngiums which are hard and spiky.

The epithet 'alpinum' means of mountains at altitudes usually above timberline. It is commonly called alpine sea holly - which makes me laugh - sea? alpine? really?.

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Flowers: July, August, September, October
• Other features: Grows well in Ballyrobert, Bees and Butterflies, Interesting Foliage or Fruit, Cut Flowers or Dried Flowers
• Hardiness: Fully hardy - grows well in Ballyrobert!, H5 - Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10°C)
• Habit: Clump forming, bushy
• Foliage: Deciduous
• Height: 60 - 90 cm (2 - 3 ft)
• Spread: 45 - 75 cm (1.5 - 2.5 ft)
• Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
• Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Colour: Green, blue
• Goes well with: Verbena bonariensis, Verbascum, Perovskia, Aconitum, Artemisia, Achillea, Iris, Deschampsia or even Rudbeckia.

About this genus:

Eryngium (e-ring-e-um or er-in-je-um) is a genus of flowering plants with over 250 species that, believe it or not, are in the carrot family (Apiaceae).  Common names include eryngo, spiny coriander, culantro and the more popular sea holly (though the genus is not related to the true hollies, Ilex). People also often think it is a thistle (Cirsium)! Apparently you can eat the roots or use them as flavouring, although I've never tried (I guess it is in the carrot family after all.....)

Often annual and perennials with hairless and usually spiny leaves;  we only grow and sell the perennial cultivars. As the common name would imply some species are native to rocky and coastal areas, but the majority are grassland plants. Despite the reputation of dry-soil-only plants we are proud of the fact we have found many cultivars that tolerate a bit of wet in our clay soil in our garden at Ballyrobert; much to the consternation of the book-believing gardeners! We sell them here. We grow them anywhere that isn't completely soaked or completely shaded although we will concede that most prefer a dry and sunny spot.

Often Eryngium are almost architectural plants and look great by themselves - when they die back for the season  they keep their attractive structure. However do try them with Verbena bonariensis, Verbascum, Perovskia, Aconitum, Artemisia, Achillea, Iris, Deschampsia or even Rudbeckia. Red and blue make a good combination in my opinion. A bit like grasses; think about the light you have before planting out in order to make the most of these wonderful plants!