Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’ (Honeywort)

Noted for its handsome foliage and colorful bracts, Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’ (Honeywort) is an upright annual boasting blue-green leaves and clusters of 2-3 tubular rich purple-blue flowers surrounded by large, almost heart-shaped, sea blue bracts. The enchanting flowers, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), produce honey-flavored nectar and are attractive to bees and hummingbirds. Blooming for months from spring to fall, they eventually produce large rounded black seeds which are dispersed by an explosive release mechanism. The oval to spoon-shaped leaves, 2.5 in. (6 cm), are somewhat fleshy, glaucous and pale gray-green to blue. They arise in whorls along branching stems and get a deeper blue as night temperatures get lower later in the season. A great addition to the informal garden.

• Growing up to 24 in. tall and wide (60 cm). Will reseed readily in mild climates.
• Performs best in full sun in fertile, well-drained soils. Relatively drought tolerant once established but best flower production occurs with regular watering.
• Great addition to beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens. Grows well in containers, where the plants will drape gracefully over the sides.
• Deadhead to encourage continued bloom. Cut back after flowering.
• Generally pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in spring, plant out when the danger of frost has passed. Soaking the seeds overnight before planting will speed germination.