Cerinthe Minor

Description

Cerinthe Minor is a flowering plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is also known by other common names like Blue Shrimp Plant, Honeywort, and Pride of Gilbraltar. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is mainly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. The plant is an annual herb that grows up to 60cm tall. It has grey-green leaves that are lance-shaped and grow up to 10cm long. The flowers of Cerinthe Minor are tubular and bell-shaped, with a range of colors from blue-purple to yellow. It blooms from late spring to summer, attracting bees and butterflies to its nectar-rich flowers.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Boraginales
Family	Boraginaceae
Genus	Cerinthe

Appearance

Cerinthe Minor is a unique and attractive plant. Its leaves have a blue-grey hue and are covered in a fine fuzz. The plant has a bushy habit and can grow up to 60cm tall and 30cm wide. The flowers are bell-shaped and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers have a range of colors, from blue-purple to yellow, and have a shiny, waxy appearance. The center of the flower is a contrasting dark purple-black color. The plant blooms from late spring to summer, and its flowers are a favorite of bees and butterflies.

Care Guide

Cerinthe Minor is a relatively easy plant to grow and care for. Here are some guidelines for taking care of this plant:Water: Cerinthe Minor prefers well-drained soil, and it can tolerate drought conditions. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering.Fertilization: The plant does not require heavy fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring, or you can apply a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Soil: Cerinthe Minor prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will bloom best in full sun.Hardiness Zones: Cerinthe Minor is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cerinthe Minor is a relatively disease-free plant, but it can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s important to avoid overwatering the plant.

Habitat

Cerinthe Minor is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly found growing in rocky, dry habitats. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought conditions and poor soil. In gardens, it is grown as an ornamental plant and is often used in borders, rock gardens, or containers.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Cerinthe Minor a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Cerinthe Minor is an annual plant.Q: When does Cerinthe Minor bloom?
A: Cerinthe Minor blooms from late spring to summer.Q: Does Cerinthe Minor attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Cerinthe Minor is a nectar-rich plant that attracts bees and butterflies.Q: Can Cerinthe Minor grow in containers?
A: Yes, Cerinthe Minor can be grown in containers.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Cerinthe Minor:

• Cerinthe retorta
• Cerinthe major
• Cynoglossum amabile
• Echium vulgare
• Brunnera macrophylla

References

• “Cerinthe Major.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281831. Accessed 15 June 2021.
• “Cerinthe Minor.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8281/Cerinthe-minor/Details. Accessed 15 June 2021.
• “Cerinthe Minor.” Plants for a Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cerinthe+minor. Accessed 15 June 2021.