Overview
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Cerinthe, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Portugal Continental.
About
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' is a bushy annual or biennial cultivar of the honeywort genus Cerinthe, belonging to the Boraginaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height within 1 to 2 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered sites with well-drained chalk, loam, or sand soils of varying pH. Native to continental Portugal, it is drought resistant and offers seasonal interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Cerinthe is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae, known as honeyworts. The genus is characterised by a calyx made up of separate, rather than fused, sepals, a tubular corolla, and the schizocarpic fruit that divides into two parts at maturity, unlike most members of the family, where the fruit splits into four nutlets. The genus has a circum-Mediterranean distribution, ranging from the Irano-Turanian Region in the east to Morocco in the west.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cerinthe", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cerinthe
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cerinthe
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in gentle heat in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'?
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' need?
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' grow?
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' hardy in the UK?
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'?
Seed sown in gentle heat in spring.
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