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Cerinthe is a plant that stops people in their tracks. It has a unique, "underwater" beauty, with fleshy, silver-blue leaves that spiral up the stem, gradually turning into deep, inky violet-purple bracts at the top.
From these purple bracts hang clusters of rich purple-yellow bells that are filled with nectar. This plant is known as "Honeywort" for a reason—it is an absolute obsession for bees. If you want to bring life, movement, and a humming sound to your garden, this is the single best annual you can grow.

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Understanding the Plant

Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' is a robust Hardy Annual (H3). Originating from the Mediterranean, it is biologically engineered to thrive in full sun and well-drained, often poor, soil. It possesses the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, a mark of excellence for its reliable garden performance and unique architectural silhouette.
The "Shrimp" Morphology: Often referred to as the "Blue Shrimp Plant," its common name describes the distinctive arching habit of the flower heads. The bracts and flowers curl over in a graceful, decurved shape that mimics the tail of a shrimp, providing a sculptural quality rare in annual species.
Pollinator Obsession: True to its name "Honeywort," Cerinthe is a nectar powerhouse. It is one of the highest-rated plants for biodiversity, specifically attracting British bumblebees who will visit the drooping bells repeatedly from May through to August.

Growing Guide

Cerinthe seeds are exceptionally large, resembling smooth black beads, making them easy to handle and sow with precision.
How to Sow:Sow indoors from February to April, or direct sow outdoors in September for the earliest blooms the following spring. To improve germination rates, we recommend soaking the seeds in tepid water for 12 hours prior to sowing to soften the hard outer coating. Sow 1cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Where to Plant:They demand full sun to develop their characteristic deep purple pigmentation; in shaded areas, the foliage will remain primarily green. They thrive in well-drained, average-to-poor soil. Once established, they are remarkably drought-tolerant, making them ideal for gravel gardens or Mediterranean-style borders.
Ongoing Care:Cerinthe can become slightly top-heavy as the bracts fully develop. We recommend planting them in tight groups so they can lean on one another for support, or providing light twiggy sticks. They are enthusiastic self-seeders; if you allow the seeds to drop at the end of the season, you will likely receive a fresh generation of "free" plants the following spring.

Plant Specifications

Botanical Name

Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'

Common Name
Honeywort / Blue Shrimp Plant

Plant Type
Hardy Annual

Hardiness

H3 (Tolerates light frost)

Light Requirements
Full Sun ☀️

Height
45cm - 60cm

Spread
45cm

Spacing
Plant 30cm apart

Flowering Period
May to August

Perfect For
Elite Bee & Pollinator Forage Architectural Container Focus Rare Purple/Silver Foliage Interest️ Low-Water Mediterranean Borders

Seeds per Packet
Approximately 12 large seeds

Beautiful Garden Combinations

Calendula 'Touch of Red': The Jewel Box Contrast. This is high-impact colour theory in action. The deep mahogany-red and burnished orange of 'Touch of Red' creates a dramatic contrast with the cool silver-blue of the Honeywort. Both are drought-tolerant, providing a long-season buffet for British bees.

☁️ Nigella 'Miss Jekyll Blue':  The Textural Haze. If both are sown in autumn, they will flower together in late spring. The misty, sky-blue foliage of the Nigella provides a soft, ethereal backdrop to the bold, architectural succulent leaves of the Cerinthe, creating a professional-looking cool-toned display.

Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Direct sow in autumn for the earliest spring display, or in spring for a summer of architectural purple and blue interest.

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Bee MagnetCerinthe holds the RHS Plant for Pollinators status. Its nectar-rich bell flowers are an essential food source for British bumblebees and solitary bees during the early-to-mid summer gap.

Robust Garden Stamina
Known for its stamina and ability to thrive in poor soils, Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' is an essential choice for those wanting to create a romantic, low-maintenance garden that provides high-quality structural pigment throughout the year.
Brand:Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden LtdCategory:AnnualSKU:CER-PURTags:Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd, Shopify Collective