Eryngium pandanifolium ‘Physic Purple’, mid October. "This most striking of all the sea hollies has impressive arching grey-green, linear, sword-shaped leaves radiating from a central clump. These are 2m long and 3cm wide, and serrated with outward-facing prickles that are uncomfortable to handle. Tall upright stems with intricate branches bear a galaxy of numerous thimble-shaped deep-purple flowers that look impressive silhouetted against the sky ... Origins: marshes and wet fields of South America." [Fergus Garrett, Great Dixter, Nurseryman's Favourites, Gardens Illustrated magazine, September 2013]