Purpurascens honeywort

Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'

AnnualBoraginaceae

RHS Plants for Pollinators

Purpurascens honeywort
Drought tolerant
USDA zones2 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
Bloom season
Spring, summer, autumn
Soil types
Sand, loam, chalk
Soil pH
Acid, alkaline, neutral

Garden uses

BorderContainerLow maintenancePollinator gardenXeriscape

Attracts

HummingbirdsBees

Notes

'Purpurascens' honeywort (Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens') is an annual for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens. It handles cool weather and a light frost. This plant likes full sun, average moisture, and sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Hummingbirds and bees visit the flowers, which open in spring, summer, and autumn. It is drought tolerant, so it needs little care once settled in. Plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and wide, so give them room to spread.

Pairs well with California poppy, False Queen Anne's lace, Spider flower, and Sonata White cosmos.