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Image of
butterfly attractor, Eryngium alpinum 'Blue Star' or Bluetop
Sea Holly coming soon...
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Eryngium alpinum 'Blue Star'
(Bluetop Sea Holly) |
Family: Apiaceae
Light: Full sun
Height: 1-2'
Spacing: 9"
Blooms: Exotic, charming, steely blue/purple, large, umbel, soft,
feathery, non-prickly, laced, long lasting, mid-Summer
Foliage: Attractive,
blue-green, glossy, toothed
Stems: Blue, stout
Soil: Well-drained,
sandy, poor, dry, drought tolerant
Water: Low
Propagation: Seeds (Sow early Spring in sealed zipbloc bag)
Uses: Xeriscaping, container, border, mass plant, groundcover,
cut fresh/dried flowers
Comments:
Eryngium alpinum 'Blue Star' or Bluetop Sea Holly is
a rare exotic perennial with a deep tap root system. In
mid-Summer, it produces spectacular charming large umbels of steely blue
soft, feathery blossoms on stout blue stems; it puts on a fantastic show
from Summer till frost, followed by seeds. Butterflies are
magnetized by its nectar-rich blossoms. Florists and hobbyists are
delighted with its long lasting cut flowers, fresh or dried in flower
arrangements and crafts. Eryngium alpinum 'Blue Star' has
eye-catching glossy blue-green, non-prickly leaves with toothed margins.
Bluetop Sea Holly can be propagated from seeds but germination rate can
be erratic. Sow seeds in early Spring, ideally at temperatures
70-75 degrees F in well-drained potting mix and seal in a plastic bag.
Germination may take anywhere from 5 days to 3 months. Transfer
with care to larger pot when seedlings get larger so as not to damage
its long tap root. After last frost is over, plant Eryngium alpinum 'Blue Star'
in a sunny location in well-drained soil. It is tolerant of hot,
dry areas which makes it an ideal candidate for xeriscaping.
Deers and rabbits would not
bother
them.
Mass plant
Eryngium alpinum 'Blue Star'
in the border for a terrific
display. This versatile, endangered perennial can also be
container cultivated for the sunny deck or patio.
Bluetop Sea Holly is an asset for the garden. It is
prized for its superb unique
looks which it stands out among the rest.
Eryngium alpinum 'Blue Star' immediately
stops foot traffic in their tracks.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 5-9 |
