Thompson & Morgan Cerinthe Major Purpurascens

Product description

Description

Also known as Honeywort, this unusual annual bears rounded, blue-green leaves on slender, upright stems. From late spring onwards masses of nodding, rich purple flowers, surrounded by blue-purple bracts appear at the stem tips, which are highly attractive to bees. With a bushy habit, Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' is a fantastic addition to annual beds or used to fill gaps in herbaceous borders, where it is happy in any well drained soil. Height: 60cm (24"). Spread: 45cm (18").

Sowing

Sow Cerinthe indoors from February to May. Sow seed in a good quality compost at a depth of 1.5mm (1/16"), and cover with a light sprinkling of vermiculite. Place the seed tray in a propagator at a temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) or seal it inside a polythene bag. Keep the soil damp but not wet. Do not exclude light as this aids germination which usually takes 5-21 days.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7cm (3") pots and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors. When Cerinthe plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outdoors in full sun in any moist, well drained soil at a distance of 30cm (12") apart.

Alternatively, direct sow Cerinthe seeds outdoors where they are to grow from April to May (or September to October for flowers in the following year). Choose a position in full sun on well drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly, at a depth of 3mm (1/8"). Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 30cm (12") apart.

Delivery & returns

Delivery

We are currently only able to deliver to the UK Mainland, please see below to ensure that you fall into this category.

Our delivery charges are based on the weight of the items ordered. For smaller parcels we charge £3.99. For larger or bulky items we charge £8.99 per consignment.

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Returns

You can return an item to us for either exchange or refund within 21 days of receiving it, providing that the product is unused, and in the condition that it arrived in, including any packaging. The only exceptions to this are items that have been made to order, customised to order, perishable goods or audio or visual recordings or computer software if the item has been unsealed.

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