Cerinthe Major

Honeywort (Cerinthe Major Purpurascens) - This fast-growing, easy & tough hardy annual bears tons of beautiful, nodding clusters of rich, purple-blue, tubular flowers on arching stems. Cerinthe Major grows about 18 inches tall and just as wide. Attractive mottled bluish mauve leaves spiral up the many branching stems. Excellent in a container. Self-sows from its own flower seeds!

The genus from which Cerinthe comes from is originally from the Mediterranean region, so the plant does well in our Mediterranean-type climate. This beautiful and unusual annual plant draws in the hummingbirds and bees. After the first planting, it will politely self-sow every year and some times several times during the year. Cerinthes grow well in containers, where they will drape gracefully over the sides. To use as a cut flower, the ends of the stem need to be either flamed or dipped in hot water.