Masses of pale blue, teasel-like flowers on blue-tinted branching stems from Dec to April and toothed, dark green leaves. This tall sea holly makes excellent dried or 'everlasting' flowers. Perfect for the back of a sunny, well-drained border, for the best results the flowers should be cut and gathered before they're fully open. Position: full sun Soil: dry, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil

Other features: ideal for use in dried flower arrangements Hardiness: fully hardy

Garden care: Stake with twiggy pea-sticks well before the plant starts to flower. Avoid the temptation to cut back the flowerheads in autumn as they provide interest in the winter garden. Lift and divide large colonies in spring

Eventual height: 90cm Eventual spread: 45cm Auction is for 50 seeds.