Unusual 8 pointed pattern on blue flower

Ok,

The last couple I posted you guys breezed right through. Have a found a better stumper this time? Help me identify this plant. It was in the Balkans section of the botanical graden but I couldn't find a nameplate.

Tahnks in advance
Charlie

 

Blue Eryngo Eryngium planum or close relative.
http://ip30.eti.uva.nl/BIS/flora.php?selected=beschrijving&menuentry=soorten&id=3235

 

Sea holly, Eryngium spp.... I'd guess Eryngium planum.

 

Also compare Eryngium amethystinum.
http://ip30.eti.uva.nl/BIS/flora.php?selected=beschrijving&menuentry=soorten&id=3238

 

Thanks guys

Sea Holly somehow sounds familar, so I've either seen it while searching on the net or there was a sign. No, must have been the net; the signs would have been in French :)

I just looked at the images for both and that is a tough choîce between amethystinum and planum.

 

If only it was that straightforward! There are many named cultivars on the market. We grow one called Blue Hobbit that looks rather similar to your pics.

 

I would have thought that the 8 leaves around the center cone was significant, but apparently not.

 

With wild species like the first two suggested the next step after looking at pictures is reading descriptions that spell out anatomical distinctions used to differentiate the plants from one another.

 

Does anyone know why this stunning perennial dies the first year after planting the bulb (rhizome) even before it starts flowering?

 

Wrong soil type? It likes very well-drained sandy soils, and might die in wet soil.

 

It was in a pot and may have been overwatered, I admit. Thanks for that, we will be more careful next time. Cheers!