10+ Cerinthe Honeywort Flower Seeds- Major Pupurascens-B250- Fast growing Deer and drought resistant annual-Blue Wax Flower-Blue Shrimp
Description:
This annual is one of the best for beginner gardeners as it is one of the easiest and most rewarding garden flowers to grow. It is an elegant looking plant that stands out for its unusual habit. Honeywort is deer resistant, drought resistant, and works well in patio containers. Its arching stems grow to around 60cm (24") tall and have a summer-long bloom time as new flowers continue to open from the ends of each branching stem.
The bluish grey foliage resembles Eucalyptus, and is just as useful in cut flower displays. The ancient Greeks believed that bees extracted wax from the flowers in order to build honeycomb, perhaps because bees adore the abundant, nectar-rich flowers. Each stem arches upward out forward with a seemingly endless series of purple-blue bell shaped flowers. This plant works very well in larger containers or flower borders.
Cerinthe Major Purpurascens Honeywort is a hummingbird magnet, and it attracts bees and birds yet is resistant to deer. Honeywort plant is fast-growing and rewarding to grow from flower seeds and it has nodding clusters of rich, purple-blue, tube-like flowers on arching stems. The foliage is unique and just as attractive with mottled bluish mauve leaves that spiral up the many branching stems.
Growing: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors in early spring. Just cover the large seeds. If starting indoors, provide bright light and a soil temperature of 10-15°C (65-70°F). Sow the flower seeds in pots and cover with 1/8 inch of soil. Keep soil moist but not saturated.
Honeywort plants must be in well-draining soil. To use Cerinth Major as a cut flower, the ends of the stem need to be either flamed or dipped in hot water. Space or transplant 30-45cm (12-18″) apart. Water regularly during dry spells. Mulch around the stems in spring to keep the soil cool and moist. Cerinthe tends to self-sow, but is never invasive. Honeywort is known to easily self-sow its own flower seeds for next year's marvelous blue flowers.
Cerinthe Honeywort plants are continuous bloomers and can begin in the spring and bloom into the fall. Another common name for Cerinthe Major is Blue Wax Flower. Honeywort is native to the Mediterranean region and can be a tender perennial in frost-free climates.
Season: Annual
Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9
Height: 18 inches
Bloom Period: Summer
Bloom Color: Purple
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Humus rich, moist but well-drained soil, pH 5.8 - 7.2
Temperature: 68F (20 C)
Germ Period: 14 - 21 days
Light Required: Yes Depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep
Sowing Rate: 1 - 2 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 12-18 inches
