Cerinthe

Cerinthe (Honeyworts)

Cerinthe, very rare to find in South Africa, is also known as Honeywort, or Pride of Gibraltar, is a charming and unusual flowering plant admired for its silvery-blue foliage, graceful form and delicate tubular flowers. Belonging to the Boraginaceae family, Cerinthe brings a soft, natural beauty to the garden and is particularly attractive when planted in borders, cottage gardens, containers or informal planting schemes.

The plant produces rounded, blue-green to silvery leaves that often develop a beautiful waxy appearance as they mature. During the flowering season, slender stems rise above the foliage and carry clusters of pendulous, tubular flowers. Depending on the variety, the blooms can range from deep purple and violet to blue, often complemented by contrasting bracts that add further colour and interest.

Cerinthe is a relatively easy plant to grow and performs best in partial shade with well-drained soil. It appreciates regular watering while becoming established, but once settled it can tolerate periods of drier conditions. Good drainage is important, particularly during wetter periods, as overly damp soil can affect the roots.

One of the most appealing qualities of Cerinthe is its value to bees and other pollinating insects. The tubular flowers provide a useful source of nectar, making Honeywort a wonderful addition to a wildlife-friendly garden. Its unusual colouring and graceful flower stems also make it an excellent companion plant, adding contrast among more traditional flowering perennials.

Cerinthe can be grown in garden beds, containers and mixed borders, where its distinctive foliage and flowers provide texture and colour. It also has a natural, slightly informal appearance that works beautifully in cottage-style and Mediterranean-inspired gardens. Regular removal of spent flowers can encourage continued flowering and help maintain an attractive appearance throughout the season.

With its silvery foliage, colourful bell-shaped flowers and appeal to pollinators, Cerinthe is a distinctive and rewarding garden plant. Its unusual beauty and easy-going nature make it an excellent choice for adding colour, texture and character to both traditional and contemporary planting schemes.

In warm Mediterranean conditions matching their native habitat, plants may survive for more than one season as short-lived tender perennials

For sale in South Africa.