Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' (Sea Holly) — Clump forming

Overview

Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Eryngium, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, coastal, gravel garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' is a clump-forming, deciduous member of the Apiaceae valued for its summer flowering. It blooms from June to September. Plant it in full sun on well-drained chalk, loam or sand and place where east, west or south aspects receive direct light. Tolerant of exposed sites and hardy in most UK gardens (H5).

About the genus

Eryngium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae. There are about 250 species. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with centres of diversity in the western Mediterranean, South America and Mexico.

Wikipedia contributors, "Eryngium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eryngium

In the garden

Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' sits in the Apiaceae as a clump-forming, deciduous species that produces its flowers between June and September. The growth habit concentrates stems in a compact cluster, making the plant straightforward to site where a clear architectural element is needed through the summer months. Choose a full-sun position with freely draining soil — chalk, loam or sand are all suitable — and avoid waterlogged ground. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH and withstands exposed conditions, so it performs well on south-, west- or east-facing sites. Hardiness H5 means it remains hardy in most of the UK; basic shelter from prolonged winter waterlogging will help establish plants more reliably. Use this sea holly in gravel beds, coastal borders and informal or cottage-style plantings; it is also effective in wildlife-focused areas and flower borders where architectural summer stems are required. The cultivar is suitable for cutting, supplying stems from June to September for fresh displays.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Eryngium

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Fragrance: Slightly spicy, not strongly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue'

Cultivation: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions
Pruning: Cut back old flower stems after flowering to encourage fresh growth
Propagation: Seed, Root cuttings, Division
Pest resistance: Leaf and bud eelworms, Slugs and snails
Disease resistance: Root rot, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue'?

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue'?

Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.

What soil does Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' need?

Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.