Photo of Cerinthe retorta flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Cerinthe retorta

Also Known As

  • Greek Cerinthe

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 24"-36"
  • W: 24"-36"

planting zones

  • 1-11

More Options

Cerinthe retorta plant details

Cerinthe retorta is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green, variegated and white foliage. In spring and summer purple and yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cerinthe retorta

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: boraginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green, variegated and white
Mature size: 24 IN - 36 IN - wide, 24 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: purple and yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, cottage garden, easy-to-grow, rare, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cerinthe retorta

USDA Zones: 1 - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Supremely EASY and fast, anyone can grow this wildly unusual and very rare Grecian hardy annual. Presented in clusters curved like a shepherd’s hook, fascinating purple and yellow, two-toned, tubular blooms are clasped in dark purple bracts. Hundreds of clusters are well displayed atop branching stems and pleasing, soft green, oval leaves with white polka dots. Usually a Spring – Summer bloomer, but you can plant it year around in milder climates like ours, where it even blooms in Winter. Self-sows freely to return each Spring. Most bloomy in well-drained soil with some compost added. Cool in containers, too! Loved by bees!

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Cerinthe retorta plant

How to Grow Cerinthe retorta

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • white
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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