Eryngiums make a striking addition to dry, sunny borders and gravel gardens. They have thistle-like flowers, made up of tiny flowers packed together in a tight cluster, surrounded by a ruff of spiny bracts. The flowerheads last well when cut and can also be dried.

Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit' is a compact cultivar with small, steely blue flowerheads. It's perfect for growing at the front of a herbaceous border, gravel garden or in a container, and makes a wonderful cut flower, both in fresh and dried arrangements. For best results grow Eryngium planum 'Blue Hobbit' in free-draining soil, in a sunny position. Protect from excessive winter wet.