Cerinthe

Cerinthe is one of those plants that quietly steals the show. With glaucous blue-green foliage and nodding, tubular flowers in rich purple-blue, it has an otherworldly elegance that works beautifully in both borders and bouquets. The bracts deepen in colour as the plant matures, giving a layered, painterly effect that’s hard to beat.

Bees absolutely adore it, and once you’ve grown it, you’ll probably want it every year. It’s a half-hardy annual but often self-seeds gently around the garden.

Sow under cover from March, or direct after the last frost. You can also sow in autumn for earlier blooms. Plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Space about 25cm apart. Avoid disturbing roots when transplanting—they prefer to be left to it.

Height: around 60–70cm
Seeds per packet: approx. 10
Half-hardy annual

Unusual, elegant, and beloved by pollinators—Cerinthe brings a touch of wild charm and movement to any patch.