Pronounced e-RIN-jum, and commonly called sea holly or thistle. The plant has deeply-cut leaves shaped a bit like holly, and sometimes just as spiky. The leaves surround the stem like frilly collars, culminating in a raspberry-like flower heads at the top of the stem. The blooms make excellent fresh-cut flowers for bouquets and are easily dried for long lasting flower arrangements (the bloom stalks must be dried in low light, preferably in a closet so the blue stays a deep shade). The plant is native to Siberia, the Balkans and Alpine regions, but it has been cultivated in Western Europe since 1567
It was originally grown for its healing properties
Flower Availability and Vase Life
All year round.
All shades of blue-green from navy with bottle green, through steel blues and gunmetal, to a brilliant sky-blue.