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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Vivid blue flowers seem other worldly, and stand erect on sturdy upright wiry stems with spiny bracts and foliage. Bees love the flowers as much as you will in a vase, and with such a long flowering season, all will be happy. Deer, rabbit, and drought tolerant, and extremely salt tolerant.

Creates structure for the fall and winter garden, and perfect along a winter salted parking lot, or dry meadow. Alkaline soil tolerant as well.

HABITAT & HARDINESS: This is a cultivar and so is not found in the wild.

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Eryngium planum ‘Blaukappe,’ commonly known as Blue Cap Sea Holly, is a captivating herbaceous perennial celebrated for its unique, thistle-like appearance and striking steel-blue bracts. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, this cultivar is native to Europe and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations. ‘Blaukappe’ stands out with its basal rosette of spiky, deeply lobed, silver-green leaves and branching stems that bear intricate, globe-like flower heads. The bracts surrounding the central cone display an intense blue color, creating a distinctive and eye-catching effect. This perennial typically reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet, making it a valuable addition to perennial borders, rock gardens, or coastal landscapes where its unique form and color contribute to a visually striking and texturally interesting garden display.

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Eryngium planum ‘Blaukappe,’ prefers full sun and well-drained soil with a sandy or gravelly texture, mimicking its native habitat. This cultivar is known for its drought tolerance once established and can thrive in various soil types, including poor or alkaline soils.

‘Blaukappe’ requires minimal maintenance, with occasional watering during dry spells to keep the soil consistently moist. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage additional blooming and maintain the plant’s neat appearance. The sturdy and architectural nature of Sea Holly makes it a resilient choice for gardens with a preference for low-maintenance perennials. Additionally, the spiky leaves and unique flower heads provide winter interest, contributing to the overall garden aesthetic even in colder months.

LANDSCAPE USES: Beneficial Insects;Butterfly Garden;Cottage Garden;Cut/Dried Flower Garden;Deer Resistant Plantings;Bird Garden;Low Maintenance Gardens;Meadow/Prairie;Perennial Borders;Phytoremediation. Blaukappe’ adds an architectural element to mixed borders and cottage gardens, where its spiky form contrasts beautifully with softer-textured plants. Its drought-tolerant nature and preference for well-drained soil make it suitable for xeriscape gardens or dry, rocky areas. This sea holly is an excellent choice for coastal gardens, as it tolerates salt spray and sandy soils. ‘Blaukappe’ also excels as a cut flower, both fresh and dried, adding a unique and long-lasting element to floral arrangements. Additionally, its nectar-rich blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the garden. Whether planted in groups for a bold visual statement or used as a solitary specimen, Eryngium planum ‘Blaukappe’ brings a touch of intrigue and natural beauty to a variety of garden settings.

This cultivar has potential phytoremediation application where Lead and Copper may be of concern.

COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS: Try pairing Eryngium planum ‘Blaukappe,’ with Aster laterifolius ‘Lady in Black’; Dalea purpurea; Koeleria macrantha; Asclepias tuberosa; Schizachryium scoparium ‘The Blues’; Origanum laevigatum ‘Herrenhausen’. If a substitute is needed, Echinacea purpurea; Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’; Parthenium integrifolium; Eryngium yuccifolium are suitable substitutes for Eryngium planum ‘Blaukappe’