Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’

Genus: Cerinthe major Variety: ‘Purpurascens’ Common name: Honeywort Type: Annual Soil Type: Well drained soil, with plenty of organic matter. Site: Full sun and shelter Hardiness: Hardy Sowing: Tough coated seeds, best soaked for 12 hours and then sown under cover in March-April and/or late August-September. Will self-sow. Final Thinning/Planting Distance: 30-40cm Height: 60cm (2ft) Spread: 60cm (2ft) Flowers: ❀ June – September, or 12 weeks from spring sowing. Flower production: 2-3 months Vase life: 7-10 days. Conditioning: When sappy in spring, sear stem ends in boiling water for 30 seconds – See more at: http://www.sarahraven.com/shop/cerinthe-major-purpurascens.html#sthash.ttIPqoXH.dpuf

Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’ (common name Honeywort) has silvery leaves with purple hanging bells, one of the best annual foliage plants. I absolutely love this and it gently self-sows, so you never need buy it again.

It’s superb as a garden plant and cut flower and absolutely loved by butterflies and bees – hence its common name.

If you sear the stems in boiling water for 30 seconds it will last longer as a cut flower.

– See more at: http://www.sarahraven.com/shop/cerinthe-major-purpurascens.html?utm_source=webgains&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=general#sthash.CjXwvlVb.dpuf