About
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.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a well-drained, fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in gentle heat in spring, plant out when the danger of frost has passed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free