At this time of year these large prickly sparkling vivid blue stars are spectacular in the gravel garden nestled alongside the grey leaved Lavender, the soft delicate pale flowers of the Gaura and alongside the slender pale spires of Veronicastrum. A favourite plant combination of mine and also of the bees too.
This plant (Eryngium Zabelli ‘Big Blue’) is 3 years old. The first year I had just one star…..A beautiful star it was mind! It was struggling getting established in the summer heat, especially as it is planted close to the house in a gravelled area. This year I was expecting more of a show as the large green silver veined weed surpressing foliage had really started to get going. It has not disappointed. It could be a case of right plant and finally right place!
Eryngium (or Sea Holly) can be short lived, but I have not found that to be the case with this variety. They are often underused in gardens and not at the top of gardeners’ wish lists. They should be, as intermingled with the right plant combination (either contemporary, cottage garden or grass border) and in the right place the vivid spikey stars brighten up the space.
My Garden Grows........ 