Cerinthe Major

Description

Cerinthe Major, also known as Honeywort or Blue Shrimp Plant, is a unique and beautiful annual plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is prized for its striking blue-green foliage and tubular deep blue-purple flowers. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide, with a bushy and slightly sprawling habit. Cerinthe Major is a popular plant for cottage gardens, borders, and containers. It blooms from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Cerinthe Major has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other plants. Its leaves are fleshy, oval-shaped, and bluish-green, with a wavy or crinkled texture. The stems are sturdy and slightly hairy, with a purplish tint. The flowers are tubular, about 1 inch long, and have a deep blue-purple color with a white or yellow center. The plant blooms profusely and the flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the stems. The overall effect is a stunning and unusual combination of blue, green, and purple.

Care Guide

Cerinthe Major is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Cerinthe Major prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often in hot or dry weather.- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization but can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring.- Soil: Cerinthe Major prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as profusely.- Hardiness Zones: Cerinthe Major is an annual plant that is hardy in zones 9-11. In cooler zones, it can be grown as a summer annual.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cerinthe Major is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to:- Aphids: These small insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water.- Slugs and snails: These pests can be deterred by placing copper tape around the base of the plant or by using a commercial slug bait.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Habitat

Cerinthe Major is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows in rocky or sandy soils in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some drought and salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal gardens. The plant has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Cerinthe Major poisonous?

A: No, Cerinthe Major is not toxic to humans or animals.

Q: Can Cerinthe Major be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Cerinthe Major can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.

Q: How often should I prune Cerinthe Major?

A: Cerinthe Major does not require frequent pruning but can be deadheaded to promote more blooms.

Q: When is the best time to plant Cerinthe Major?

A: Cerinthe Major can be planted in the spring after the last frost or in the fall in warmer climates.

Related Plants

– Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis sylvatica)- Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)- Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)- Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

References

– RHS. (n.d.). Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/3940/Cerinthe-major-Purpurascens/Details- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). Cerinthe major: Blue shrimp plant. Retrieved from https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/cerinthe-major.html- North Carolina State University Extension. (n.d.). Cerinthe major. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cerinthe-major/