Overview
Cerinthe spp. is a genus of about ten species of annuals and perennials in the borage family, native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. The widely grown species is C. major, an annual or short-lived perennial 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall with rounded, blue-green, somewhat fleshy leaves that clasp the stems. Its purple form 'Purpurascens' carries nodding clusters of tubular flowers shading from yellow to deep violet-blue, half-hidden among bracts that turn from gray-green to violet toward the stem tips. Flowering runs from late spring through summer, and bees work the nectar-rich tubular blooms. The genus grows in full sun on light, free-draining soil and tolerates heat and lean ground, though plants fade in humid heat and collapse in wet or shaded conditions. Most kinds self-sow freely, returning year after year from dropped seed even where the parent plants are short-lived. Seed germinates after a cool, moist spell. Plants reach flowering size quickly, within a few months of sowing, and decline after setting seed.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean Basin and western Asia, growing in fields, disturbed ground, and on rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Grown in sunny borders, gravel gardens, and containers for the blue-purple bracts and nodding flowers, and as a bee plant. Combined with silver- and blue-foliage plantings. Plants are not durable in humid, wet, or heavily shaded sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow to violet-blue with blue-purple bractsFoliage Description
blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun to light shade on light, free-draining soil of moderate fertility. Seed is sown in autumn or early spring where plants are to grow, or started in pots and set out after frost, spaced 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) apart. Even moisture supports lush growth, while established plants tolerate some drought. Humid, wet, or shaded conditions cause collapse and mildew. Plants are short-lived and self-sow freely, so a planting renews itself from dropped seed. Removing some spent stems prolongs bloom while still allowing seed to set.Pruning
Spent flowering stems are trimmed to encourage further bloom through summer. Plants are pulled once they brown and set seed, leaving some seed heads to self-sow. No other pruning is needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons