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Annual Biennial

Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

honeywort 'Purpurascens'

A popular, upright annual or occasionally biennial, to 60cm in height, with blue-green leaves lightly spotted white, and tubular deep purple flowers, sometimes tipped yellow, with conspicuous purple bracts, flowering in spring and summer

Synonyms
Cerinthe major var. purpurescens
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Purple Yellow Blue Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cerinthe can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with simple, often greyish leaves and tubular flowers borne in a pendent terminal cluster with conspicuous bracts

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in spring, plant out when the danger of frost has passed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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