Eryngium Paniculatum

Eryngium paniculatum is a dramatic South American sea holly with a broad rosette of rigid, sword-shaped evergreen leaves armed with sharp marginal teeth. From the centre rise tall, highly branched stems carrying numerous rounded heads of greenish-white flowers surrounded by spine-tipped bracts. The result is sculptural and almost prehistoric, yet the small blooms provide abundant nectar for bees. Native to temperate South American grassland and open ground, it is drought tolerant once established and makes an imposing specimen for gravel gardens or large sunny borders with excellent drainage.