Eryngium Alpinum

Now rare in the wild, this is the true form of this superb plant, with heart-shaped, glossy dark green basal leaves. Large, cone-like, purplish flower-heads surrounded by vivid blue, spiny bracts, are borne on blue stems. It requires a well-drained, sunny site, in poor to moderate soil, with minimal wetness in winter. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Few seeds collected from cultivated plants.