Cerinthe major 'Kiwi Blue'

RHS Plant Profile
honeywort 'Kiwi Blue;
honeywort 'Kiwi Blue; visionspictures.com
Annual Biennial

An upright annual to 60cm high, with slightly fleshy blue-green leaves pressed to the pale green stems. In spring and summer, produces nodding, tubular purple flowers, surrounded by clusters of bracts that develop over the season from blue-green to deep blue

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Cerinthe can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with simple, often greyish leaves and tubular flowers borne in a pendent terminal cluster with conspicuous bracts
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun or light shade. Thrives in poor soils

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in spring, plant out when the danger of frost has passed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free