Eryngium zabelii 'Big Blue'
Common Name(s):
Sea holly
Zabel sea holly
Synonym:
Eryngium x olivieranum 'Myersblue'
Eryngo
Flower:
Blue
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Aug
Tiny blue flowers compacted into a thistle-like head subtended by blue bracts
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Apiaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Heart-shaped basal leaves 3-5", smaller upper leaves spiny lobed
Fall Color?
YES
Turns a striking blue-violet in fall and maintains a sturdy upright columnar shape with persistent bracts
Semi-Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Maintains shape from fall into winter and seed heads attract birds
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Hybrid from United Kingdom
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
5
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
1.5-2'
Spread:
1.5-2'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Hybrid so doesn't have a native habitat
Soil:
Chalk, sand, loam
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Requires no fertilizer
Mulch:
2-3: layer of organic matter
Not much required if planted and kept in full sun, does not like to be moved, deadhead only for appearance
Long Term:
Winter:
Mulch if in cold climate, leave seed heads in place
Spring:
Cut back dead stems, add compost or slow release fertilizer, check for insects
Summer:
Requires little summer care except watering if extended dry spells
Fall:
Leave the seed heads on the plant for bird food
General Care Comments:
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil, water sparingly
Common Problems
If planted in rich ferile soils tends to sprawl
Diseases:
Root rot is gets too much water, or powdery mildew if humidity is high
Insects:
Aphids,, spider mites
Environmental Problems:
Does not tolerate waterlogged soils, poor drainage
Pests:
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.