Plant Patent #17,370. Once a rather predictable sun-loving perennial, lately Eryngium has acquired some elegant new looks. Now, 'Jade Frost' has come to regale us with three seasons of lovely variegated foliage in addition to its big, spiny globes of blue!The new foliage unfurls in spring with bright rosy-pink margins, so eye-catching that although this plant is only about 7 inches high when not in bloom, it will stand out brilliantly in the early-season sunny border. The pink soaks into the veins of the leaves as well, making a lovely contrast to the sage-green base of these long, leathery, tongue-shaped leaves. As the weather warms, the pink turns to cream and finally to white, but keeps its distinctively large, irregular form.
Summer brings 3-foot bloomstalks on which perch large, spiny, azure flowerheads. Attractive to butterflies, these blooms really stand out against the rounder, softer look of most other flowers in the border, and are very long-lasting after cutting. Let them dry out for Everlastings that keep their form and color for months, or use them in fresh arrangements. Stylish and distinctive!
Eryngium is one of the easiest plants to grow in hot, dry garden conditions. It needs well-drained soil, but once established is very drought tolerant, and actually prefers soil on the dry side. And unlike other cultivars of this family, 'Jade Frost' remains attractive through autumn with its elegant variegation! Perfect for meadow and other open settings as well as the sunny border and containers. Zones 5-9.
