CERINTHE MAJOR (PURPURESCENS) – HONEYWORT – BLUE SHRIMP

CERINTHE MAJOR (PURPURESCENS) – HONEYWORT – BLUE SHRIMP. A beautiful border plant native to Southern Europe classed as an annual but may well survive in sheltered spots in southern England over-winter. Reaching 18-24 in it has fleshy blue / green leaves with sea blue bracts and clusters of tubular rich / purple blue tubular hanging bell like flowers.   The colour intensifies with cooler autumn nights.  Readily self-seeds for the following year.

Cultivation advice CERINTHE MAJOR (PURPURESCENS) – HONEYWORT – BLUE SHRIMP

• Sow under glass or indoors with warmth (21 c) Jan – Mar.  Sowing depth 1-2 mm in well – draining seed compost.  Germination 7-21 days.
• Transplant when large enough to handle 2 in apart and grow on under glass.  Gradually acclimatize to outdoors before planting out in full sun after all danger of frost has passed 5 cm apart.
• Can be sown directly to the flowering position from Mid Apr onward if spring has been warm.
• Will readily self-seed.