A sea holly that is rather special and brings to mind summer holidays with blue sea and skies.

Eryngium x oliverianum is a wild hybrid, possibly from E.alpinum, but of uncertain parentage. Like our weather at the moment, this plant is exceptional with large collared heads of brilliant steely blue, enhanced by the deeper blue hue of the stems. The ruffs are exquisitely divided and almost remind me of antique metal work they are so steely in appearance.

60cm high, requiring sun and good drainage. A magnet for bees! Given the right conditions, this is a long-lived, hardy, reliable plant that will perform well the better the summer. So, it’s looking good right now in my sunbaked garden, but generally flowers from May – August. Flowers also good dried.