Eryngium

Large deep blue cones surrounded by lacy blue bracts. 80cm.

Very variable plant with lots of different forms around. Ours, which came originally from seed that we found near Andorra, has very blue stems and umbels and silver bracts. We also grow other forms, but frankly one is enough for most gardens. 35cm

Another dark blue selection, this one with very veined, prickly foliage.

Biennial form of Miss Wilmott's Ghost with bright silver bracts. 60cm

A monster of a plant with tall stems of green cones and mounds of narrow barbed leaves.

Compact, low-growing species with prickly white-veined leaves and pale grey-blue flower cones. 40cm

Large blue flowers with paler blue stems from June to August. Height. 50cm

A tangle of blue branches with tight spherical blue umbels. Looks good with Knautia macedonica or with the yellow flowers of Scabiosa ochroleucha.

Evergreen green and cream scalloped leaves, occasionally edged with pink. The stem and the cones begin cream and age to blue. Height 40cm,

Long sword-shaped leaves with spiny edges. Greeny-white flowers. 1m