How to Grow and Care for Eryngos

Alpine sea holly grows about 30 to 71 cm in height, and the unique blooms make it a distinctive flower that is highly ornamental. Perfect in cut or dried flower arrangements, the blooms are blue-purple with powder blue to steel blue leaves. The blooms are thistle-like in appearance with a cone-shaped center.

Culantro, not to be confused with cilantro or coriander, is a culinary herb with a strong flavor used in dishes across East Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Cultivation is increasing as demand for this herb grows in economies around the world. In tropical areas, this herb can be grown as a perennial, but it will likely only grow as an annual in colder areas.

Blue eryngo (Eryngium planum) grows native in southeastern Europe and central Asia. It is a species of thistle that produces a blue, egg-shaped bloom in summer. It is used in landscaping for full-sun beds and borders.

Sea holly is found along most European coastlines. Its thistle-like flowers are a metallic blue and this perennial flowers from mid-summer through fall. It is considered endangered in many areas. These plants are easy to grow and require very little care, but will bloom longer if dead-headed.

Mediterranean sea holly is a showy and low-maintenance perennial flower. Its dark silvery-green foliage has deep veins and the plant produces a cone-like flower in a silvery blue hue. These plants grow best in direct sun and drier soil. It is very attractive to bees and butterflies.