Eryngium plants, also known as sea holly flowers, make striking additions to the garden. Mostly native to Europe and the Mediterranean, these plants generally grow anywhere from 18 to 36 inches tall with a one-foot spread. Their green or silvery-blue stems give way to green or blue cones surrounded by spiky silver, white, green, blue or violet bracts, which bloom from summer throughout fall.

Sea holly plants are tolerant of drought, winds, salt sprays and sandy soils. They can be used as specimen plantings, in beds and borders, or butterfly gardens.

In addition, these plants make excellent dried flowers.