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Key characteristics

Family: Apiaceae
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Width: 9 to 12 inches
Flower color: Bright blue
Foliage color: Bright yellow, maturing to gold with green hues
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Low; prefers well-drained, dry soils
Maintenance: Low; drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and benefits from deadheading to maintain appearance
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Bees and butterflies

Perennials

Eryngium x zabelii 'Neptune's Gold'

Neptune's Gold Sea Holly

Eryngium × zabelii 'Neptune's Gold' is a hybrid sea holly known for its distinctive golden foliage and vibrant blue blooms. Throughout the summer months, it showcases egg-shaped clusters of blue-violet flowers, each encircled by spiny, variegated bracts that transition from silvery blue at the base to gold at the tips.

'Neptune's Gold' thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant once established. It is also deer-resistant and attracts butterflies, making it a valuable addition to gardens seeking both beauty and resilience.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low; prefers well-drained, dry soils

Bloom time

Mid to late summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)