Hardy Annual
£1.99
These packets are produced in association with the National Trust
Masses of nodding rich purple flowers from late spring
An elegant choice for the front of sunny borders
Loved by pollinating insects
Out of Stock
Height Up to 60cm (24in)
Spread Up to 45cm (18in)
Hardy Annual
cottage gardenswildlife gardens
full sun
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' is an aristocratic plant, bringing understated elegance to the front of sunny borders. Blue-green leaves spiral up each stem of this bushy little annual. Each upright stem terminates in sea-blue bracts and clusters of tubular, purple-blue, nodding flowers.
Commonly known as Honeywort, this hardy annual is a magnet for bees and other pollinating insects. In mild areas it may return as a perennial, but is generally grown as an annual in the UK. If left to seed, it will produce dense drifts that will return bigger and better with each passing year. Height: 60cm (24"). Spread: 45cm (18").
Useful Links:Show Codes
1 packet (10 cerinthe seeds) (KA7444)
Sow Cerinthe indoors from February to May. Sow seed in a good quality compost at a depth of 1.5mm (1/16"), and cover with a light sprinkling of vermiculite. Place the seed tray in a propagator at a temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) or seal it inside a polythene bag. Keep the soil damp but not wet. Do not exclude light as this aids germination which usually takes 5-21 days.
When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7cm (3") pots and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors. When Cerinthe plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outdoors in full sun in any moist, well drained soil at a distance of 30cm (12") apart.
Alternatively, direct sow Cerinthe seeds outdoors where they are to grow from April to May (or September to October for flowers in the following year). Choose a position in full sun on well drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly, at a depth of 3mm (1/8"). Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 30cm (12") apart.
Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.
Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.
Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.
Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.
Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.
Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.
For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.