Eryngium planum Jade Frost

Eryngium planum 'Jade Frost' is a perennial noted for its variegated foliage with perfectly stunning colours, the blue-green leaves are marginated with pink and then cream. The spiky violet-blue inflorescences are also very decorative.

This sea holly will reach a height of 60 cm (24in) and has highly branched flower stalks bearing flowers grouped in numerous small heads resembling delicate violet-blue stars between July and September. The spiny margins of the colourful bracts, resembling thistles, are the origin of its other common name, ornamental thistle.

From picturesque scenes to contemporary ones, its colours range from green to silver and its graphic design allow it to integrate into many situations. Ideally planted in full sun, Eryngium planum 'Jade Frost' loves heat and drought and adapts to all sunny soils with a chalky tendency, which are also well-drained and deep; it even tolerates coastal areas. What it dislikes most is moisture, especially during winter. To extend its decorative effect beyond the summer months outdoors, you can easily make dried bouquets as it retains its beautiful colours when dried.

Eryngium planum Jade Frost works well in a rock garden, flower bed, wild or contemporary garden alongside Gauras, Mulleins (Verbascums), Salvias or Perovskias, or a few Stipas.