Cerinthe: The Vibrant Blue Flower with Purple Leaves
Introduction
Meet Cerinthe, a beautiful plant that will add a splash of color to your garden with its vibrant blue flowers and purple leaves. It’s also known as the Pride of Gibraltar or the blue shrimp plant.
What is Cerinthe?
Cerinthe is a Mediterranean plant that thrives in moderate climates. It’s a versatile plant that can grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 10.
Cerinthe is related to borage, but its leaves are less hairy. Instead, it has thick, greenish-gray foliage with soft, rounded edges. New leaves are marbled with white, which fades as they mature. The leaves grow in an attractive whorled pattern up the stem.
Cerinthe Flowers
The Cerinthe blue shrimp plant (Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’) has tiny, insignificant flowers that are covered by colorful bracts. The bracts deepen into a bluer hue as nighttime temperatures cool. During the day, they are a lighter purple tone.
Growing Cerinthe Plants
Growing Cerinthe from seed is easy. Soak the seeds overnight and start them indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. Plant the seedlings outside in April in most zones.
Cerinthe plants prefer a well-drained site with full to partial sun. They are moderately drought tolerant, but they produce the best flower display when kept moist but not soggy.
Cerinthe Plant Care
Cerinthe is an easy-to-grow plant that requires low-to-moderate maintenance. It will even flourish in rich soil with little to no care.
Once established, Cerinthe plants will self-seed, ensuring a steady supply of plants. You can collect seeds in fall and save them for the next season.
To keep your Cerinthe plants looking their best, trim back rangy stems to encourage a more compact shape. Stake tall plants or use a peony ring to keep the stems upright.
Winter Care for Cerinthe
In cold climates, Cerinthe plants will die after a hard freeze. In more temperate zones, remove the parent plant in winter and lightly mulch over the seeds. Fluff the soil in spring, and the seeds will germinate and produce a new batch of plants.
Tips for Potted Cerinthe Plants
Potted Cerinthe plants require more water than in-ground plants. Fertilize them once a month with a diluted plant food.
Benefits of Cerinthe
Cerinthe is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that offers many benefits:
- Adds color to your garden with its vibrant flowers and purple leaves
- Attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies
- Self-seeds, ensuring a continuous supply of plants
- Requires low-to-moderate maintenance
- Drought tolerant
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Cerinthe is a great plant to add to your garden. Its vibrant colors and easy care make it a favorite among gardeners of all levels.