Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Cerinthe retorta
Also Known As
- Greek Cerinthe
Plant type
annual / biennial
size
- H: 24"-36"
- W: 24"-36"
planting zones
- 1-11
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!
Garden photo gallery of Cerinthe retorta
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
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Cerinthe for your garden
aka Cerinthe major 'Purpurescens', Blue Honeywort, Honeywort, Kiwi Flower, Pride of Gibralter
Plant Type
Annual / Biennial
Zones
7a-10b
Size
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 1'-2'
- sun
- regular - low
View Plant
Plant Type
Annual / Biennial
Zones
7a-10b
Size
Height: 16"-24"
Width: 16"-24"
- sun - mostly shade
- occasional - low
View Plant
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