Sea Holly is a striking plant. They look intimidating and it's not a bad idea to use gloves when you cut them, but they are very easy to grow. Because they have a long tap root, they are very drought resistant, xeric plants. But this also means that they don't like to be moved, once established.
Sea Holly is not only a good cut flower, it dries beautifully too. And quickly. You'll lose a little of the blue color, but they still make a nice presentation.
Eryngium planum- Flat Sea Holly - (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 3-4' x 2', Silvery Blue Blooms: Mid- to Late Summer; also nice dried)
Alternatives:
- Eryngium Alpinum (Alpine Sea Holly) - A vivid blue.
- Eryngium amethystinum (Amethyst Sea Holly) - Good for colder climates.