Eryngium alpinum or Alpine Sea Holly is an erect herbaceous perennial that grows to around to 60-90 cms in height. It produces heart-shaped, dark green basal leaves that are glossy.
Purple to blue, cone-like, flower-heads appear in summer surrounded by vivid blue, spiky bracts, produced on erect, blue stems.
They make excellent border plants providing a striking texture contrast along with rich blue colouring. They also make wonderful cut flowers for the same reasons along with a long lasting nature.
These are the popular Sea Holly plants with this one coming from the Balkan regions of Europe being naturalised to those Alpine areas.
Good plants for cottage and informal garden styles as well as gravel gardens and coastal gardens.