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UC Master Gardeners of Monterey Bay Plant Sales

Cerinthe major purpurascens - Pride of Gibraltar

Cerinthe major purpurascens - Pride of Gibraltar

Regular price $8.50
Regular price Sale price $8.50
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Cerinthe major purpurascens - Pride of Gibraltar Honeywort

Pot size: 1-Quart

The little bell-shaped flowers of Honeywort attract bees and hummingbirds. Colorful bracts surrounding the flowers change to a more vivid hue in the cool weather of fall. At home in cottage gardens and in borders. Provide about 1" of mulch to keep soil cool and help retain moisture. Native to the Mediterranean, this Honeywort is also referred to as the "Wax Flower" or the "Blue Shrimp Plant".
Hardy Annual 
Zones:  7-9
Size: Grows up to 2 feet in height with a spread of 1 – 1.5 feet     
Light: Grow in full sun or partial shade   
Soil: Does well in regular, moist, well-drained soil 
Water: Established plants can tolerate dry soil, but regular watering will keep the plants healthier. Listed as "low water" requirement for the Central Coast. 
Bloom: Blooms from Summer to Fall. Has purple flowers most showy in cool weather. 
Other notes: Prevent slug problems by sprinkling diatomaceous earth or pelletized iron phosphate on the soil around the plants (not on them). Honeywort, a recently "rediscovered" ancient flower, has been grown in European gardens since the Middle Ages. A relative of borage, each flower has a drop of 'honey' that is irresistible to pollinators.
Uses: Incredibly attractive, 24-30 in. tall plants produce a wealth of steel-blue bracts that frame the nodding, rich purple-blue, bell-shaped flowers. Bloom is from June to September. Flowers are loved by hummingbirds and bees. Honeywort is a most agreeable garden companion, plants are easy to grow and flower color is easy to blend with other annuals and perennials. Plants self-sow are not invasive and will be welcomed back to your garden year after year.  

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