Eryngium

(Apiaceae/Umbelliferae). Sea Holly, Eryngo. Genus of 230 species of hairless deciduous and evergreen perennials. Found wild among marram grass on coastal dunes in Europe, North Africa, Turkey, C. Asia, China and Korea. Ovate to heart shaped divided leaves forming basal rosettes of spiny leaflets with silvery white veins. Needs good drainage and open sunny site. Not for clay soils. Good for cutting and drying. Rich blue thistle flower cone surrounded by frilled blue bracts which can be dried if cut before flowers fully open.