Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'

BLUE SHRIMP PLANT, BLUE HONEYWORT, BLUE WAX FLOWER
Family: Boraginaceae
Pronounced: ser-IN-thee MAY-jur poor-pyoo-RAI-senz

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GROWING GUIDE

 

Geographic Origin:
Mediterranean.
Plant Group:
Annuals.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1-24.
Mature size:
Height: 2 feet (60 cm).
Width: 2 feet (60 cm).
Flowering period:
Summer.
Flowering attributes:
One-inch long, purple tubes surrounded by large, almost heart shaped, purple-blue bracts.
Leaf attributes:
Glaucous, pale green-gray to blue, spoon-shaped foliage.
Light:
Full sun to light shade.
Soil:
For best results, plant in humus rich, moist but well-drained soil.
Fertilizing:
Use a complete organic fertilizer when seedlings appear and monthly applications thereafter.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed in spring after danger of frost has passed.

The first time I grew this annual, I could not find any information about it; however, Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' quickly became a popular plant, and rightly so. Now there is much more information available.

Cerinthe comes from the Greek word keros—wax, and anthos—a flower. At one time, it was considered an important nectar source for honeybees. It was also thought that bees obtained wax from the flowers. The genus is originally from the Mediterranean region, so the plant does well in our Mediterranean-type climate.

This beautiful and unusual annual draws in the hummingbirds and bees. After the first planting, it will politely self-sow every 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.

Photographed in author's garden.

A Pacific Northwest Plant of the Week (2011)