Contents
Description
Cerinthe, also known as Blue Honeywort, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is grown for its attractive blue-green foliage and vibrant blue-purple flowers. The plant typically grows up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide and is an excellent addition to any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Cerinthe |
Appearance
Cerinthe has an attractive blue-green foliage that is covered with fine hairs, giving it a velvety texture. The leaves are lance-shaped and grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers are tubular and bell-shaped, measuring about 1 inch in length. They typically bloom in late spring or early summer and attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, to the garden.
Care Guide
Cerinthe is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal attention. Here are some tips to help you care for your Cerinthe:
- Water: Cerinthe prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water the plant deeply once a week and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
- Fertilization: Cerinthe does not require much fertilization. You can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
- Soil: Cerinthe grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility.
- Sunlight: Cerinthe prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect its flowering.
- Hardiness Zones: Cerinthe is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cerinthe is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot if grown in humid conditions. To prevent these diseases, make sure to plant Cerinthe in a well-ventilated area and avoid overhead watering. If you notice any signs of disease, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Cerinthe is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly found growing in dry, rocky areas. It is well-adapted to hot, dry conditions and can tolerate drought and poor soil. In the garden, Cerinthe is a great plant for borders, rock gardens, and container gardens.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can Cerinthe be grown indoors?
A: Cerinthe is best grown outdoors in full sun to partial shade. It can be grown indoors, but it may not flower as well as it would outdoors.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cerinthe?
A: Cerinthe does not require much fertilization. You can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Q: Can I propagate Cerinthe?
A: Yes, Cerinthe can be propagated by seed or by taking stem cuttings in the summer.
Q: Does Cerinthe attract beneficial insects?
A: Yes, Cerinthe is a great plant for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.
Related Plants
- Borage (Borago officinalis)
- Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis sylvatica)
- Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
- Salvia (Salvia spp.)
References
- “Cerinthe.” PlantFiles. Dave’s Garden. Accessed 12 July 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/540/
- “Cerinthe Major Blue.” White Flower Farm. Accessed 12 July 2021. https://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/cerinthe-major-blue
- “Cerinthe.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 12 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b695
