Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Add a touch of wild elegance to your garden with Eryngium 'Jos Eijking', commonly known as sea holly. Famous for its intensely blue stems and spiky, steely-sheened blooms, this perennial is a standout from summer to mid-autumn. The striking, thistle-like flowers bring both colour and structure, making Eryngium 'Jos Eijking' a perfect choice for adding drama and texture to borders, gravel gardens, or containers.
As tough as it looks, Eryngium 'Jos Eijking' syn. Eryngium 'Sapphire Blue' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Drought-tolerant and wind-resistant, it’s an excellent addition to coastal or low-maintenance gardens. Its vibrant blue intensifies as the season progresses, providing eye-catching contrast against softer, more traditional blooms. Not only does Eryngium 'Jos Eijking' shine in the garden, but it’s also a favourite among pollinators, bringing bees and butterflies into the mix.
Whether used fresh or dried, its long-lasting blooms add a unique touch to floral arrangements. Officially named Eryngium × olivierianum 'Jos Eijking', this sea holly offers the perfect balance of rugged beauty and elegance, ensuring your garden stays interesting long after other plants have faded. Bring it into your garden for an edgy, season-spanning spectacle
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Plant profile
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Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Eryngium × olivierianum 'Jos Eijking' syn. Eryngium 'Sapphire Blue'
- Flower colour
- Blue
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 20-30cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green, silver, blue
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 9 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Dry - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Cut flower gardens
Pots
Large containers - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Eryngium 'Jos Eijking' reviews
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choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.