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Overview of Eryngium 'Big Blue'

Eryngium 'Big Blue', commonly known as Sea Holly, is a striking perennial known for its vivid blue, spiky flowers and silvery stems. This architectural plant adds unique texture and color to garden beds, borders, and rock gardens. It is also highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Prefers well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and gravelly soils.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.5).
• Planting Location: Thrives in full sun, which is essential for optimal flowering and foliage color.
• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, allowing the plant to establish roots before extreme weather conditions.

Watering and Humidity

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Eryngium 'Big Blue' is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
• Humidity Needs: Prefers low to moderate humidity. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, especially in dry regions.

Fertilizing

• Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a well-rotted compost.
• Fertilizing Schedule: Fertilize in early spring to support new growth. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning Time: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant appearance. Cut back stems in late fall or early spring.
• Maintenance: Remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed. Eryngium 'Big Blue' is low-maintenance once established.

Light Requirements

• Light Conditions: Prefers full sun for optimal flowering and foliage color. Can tolerate partial shade but may result in fewer blooms and less vibrant coloration.
• Indoor Growing: Not typically grown indoors due to its size and light requirements. Suitable for outdoor garden beds, borders, and rock gardens.

Propagation

• By Division: Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring to rejuvenate plants and prevent overcrowding. Replant divisions immediately.
• By Seed: Sow seeds in early spring indoors or directly in the garden after the last frost. Stratify seeds by chilling them in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks before sowing.

Pests and Diseases

• Common Pests: Generally pest-resistant, but can occasionally attract aphids and slugs.
• Disease Resistance: Susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases if grown in poorly drained soil. Ensure good air circulation and proper drainage to prevent these issues.

Winter Care

• Cold Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Can withstand cold temperatures and frost.
• Winter Protection: In colder regions, apply a thin layer of mulch in late fall to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Avoid heavy mulching to prevent rot.

Benefits and Uses

• Ornamental Value: Provides striking, long-lasting blue blooms and silvery foliage that add texture and interest to garden beds, borders, and rock gardens.
• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Drought Tolerant: Requires minimal watering once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
• Cut Flowers: Excellent for fresh and dried flower arrangements.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Lack of Blooms: Often due to insufficient sunlight or overly fertile soil. Ensure the plant receives adequate sun exposure and avoid over-fertilizing.
• Yellowing Leaves: Can indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Adjust watering practices and improve soil drainage.
• Leggy Growth: Typically due to too much shade. Move the plant to a sunnier location.

Additional Tips

• Companion Plants: Pairs well with other sun-loving perennials such as Lavender, Salvia, and ornamental grasses.
• Watering Tips: Water deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly and frequently to encourage deep root growth.
• Soil Amendments: Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility if necessary.

Summary of Care

• Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral.
• Light: Full sun.
• Water: Regular watering initially, drought-tolerant once established.
• Fertilizer: Balanced, slow-release in early spring.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers, cut back in late fall or early spring.
• Propagation: By division or seed.
• Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-resistant; monitor for root rot and fungal diseases.

Conclusion

Eryngium 'Big Blue' is a unique and attractive perennial that brings vivid color and architectural interest to any garden. With its minimal care requirements, drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators, it is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Proper planting, watering, and occasional pruning will ensure that this striking Sea Holly thrives and continues to enhance your garden with its vibrant blue blooms and silvery foliage year after year.

• Size
  3 Litre

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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