Five Varieties of Eryngium Perfect for Cut Flowers
Eryngium, or Sea Holly, is a unique, stunning addition to any floral arrangement. Known for its spiky, architectural form and long-lasting beauty, these details make it an especially good cut flower for bouquet making, or as a stand along flower. Here are five varieties of Eryngium that are great as cut flowers, each bringing unique textures and colors to your bouquets.
1. Eryngium planum (Blue Hobbit)
Characteristics:
Height: 2-3 feet
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Flower Color: Metallic blue
Eryngium planum features clusters of small, metallic blue flowers surrounded by spiky bracts. Its sturdy stems and striking color make it a favorite for cut flower arrangements. This variety adds an interesting texture and a pop of blue to bouquets and we also love to use them in fresh flower crowns.
Growing Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil
Water: Drought-tolerant once established
2. Eryngium giganteum (Miss Willmott's Ghost)
Eryngium giganteum is renowned for its tall, stately presence and ghostly silver-white flowers. The spiky bracts and stems are a beautiful addition to any arrangement, providing a striking contrast to more traditional blooms.
Characteristics:
Height: 3-4 feet
Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
Flower Color: Silvery-white
Growing Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Water: Moderate watering, prefers slightly dry conditions
3. Eryngium zabelii (Big Blue)
Eryngium zabelii stands out with its deeply veined, silvery-blue leaves and vibrant blue flowers. This variety is compact, making it ideal for smaller arrangements or as an accent in larger bouquets.
Characteristics:
Height: 2-3 feet
Bloom Time: Early to mid summer
Flower Color: Blue with silvery veins
Growing Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, rocky soil
Water: Drought-tolerant
4. Eryngium alpinum (Alpine Sea Holly)
Characteristics:
Height: 2-3 feet
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Flower Color: Blue with feathery bracts
Eryngium alpinum is known for its unique, feathery blue bracts that surround the central flower. Its delicate yet dramatic appearance makes it a stunning choice for floral arrangements, adding both texture and color.
Growing Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, slightly alkaline soil
Water: Regular watering, but allow soil to dry out between waterings
5. Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master)
Eryngium yuccifolium features unique, greenish-white flowers and yucca-like foliage. Its tall, sturdy stems and unusual flower color make it a great addition to both fresh and dried arrangements, offering a touch of the exotic.
Characteristics:
Height: 3-4 feet
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Flower Color: Greenish-white
Growing Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Water: Moderate watering, drought-tolerant once established
Are you ready to start growing these beauties in your gardens?
We love all of these varieties of Eryngium and are so happy to share them with you! Not only do they thrive in the garden, but also make exceptional cut flowers, adding unique textures, colors, and shapes to any floral arrangement. Whether you prefer the metallic blues of Eryngium planum or the ghostly silvers of Eryngium giganteum, there's a Sea Holly variety that's perfect for your cutting garden.
Happy growing!
