ALPINE SEA HOLLY Eryngium alpinum

Alpine Sea Holly plants generally reaches about 30–70 centimetres (12–28 in) in height, with a maximum of 100 centimetres (39 in). The basal leaves are oval or heart-shaped. The blue flowers occur in July through September. Stems are erect and strong.

This plant is native to Austria, Liechtenstein, Croatia, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Slovenia. It grows in subalpine scrub, rocky areas and wet pastures, preferably in limestone, at an altitude of 1,500–2,000 metres (4,900–6,600 ft) above sea level.

Flowers of Eryngium alpinum attract honeybees and bumblebees. Alpine Sea Holly is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its blue and purple flowerheads. It requires dry, well-drained soil and full sun.

Type: Hardy perennial

Height: Up to 70 cm, 28"

Location: Sun

Hardiness zones: 4-8

Germination: This plant is easy to germinate. Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place seeds just under the surface of the growing mix, and keep moist until germination, at room temperature. Do not over-water. Place in a sunny location once seedlings emerge.