Blue honeywort is an ornamental flowering plant known for its blue-green foliage, deep violet flowers, and striking blue-purple bracts. A member of the borage family (Boraginaceae), it belongs to Cerinthe major, a species native to the Mediterranean region.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow and care for blue honeywort, including its sunlight, soil, watering, planting, seed-starting, and container requirements. You’ll also discover how to manage self-seeding, collect seeds, choose companion plants, and harvest its distinctive stems for cut-flower arrangements.
Flower Lovers Want to Know
Is blue honeywort an annual or perennial?
Blue honeywort (Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’) is generally grown as an annual, although it may behave as a biennial under some growing conditions. In mild climates, seeds may germinate in fall or winter and flower the following spring. Plants also self-seed readily under favorable conditions, allowing new seedlings to appear in subsequent years.
What are the best growing conditions for blue honeywort?
Blue honeywort grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates partial shade, although plants may become taller and less compact with insufficient light. Water regularly while plants are becoming established, but avoid keeping the soil constantly wet. Once established, honeywort can tolerate relatively dry conditions.
How do you grow blue honeywort from seed?
Blue honeywort is easily propagated from seed. Seeds can be started indoors about 6 weeks before the last expected frost or sown directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Sow the seeds shallowly in a moist, well-drained growing medium and keep them consistently moist, but not waterlogged, while they germinate. Harden off indoor-grown seedlings before transplanting them into the garden.
Can blue honeywort be grown in containers?
Yes. Blue honeywort grows well in containers provided the pot has adequate drainage and receives plenty of sunlight. Use a well-drained potting mix and water when the upper layer begins to dry. Container-grown plants generally need more frequent watering than those growing in the ground, particularly during warm or windy weather.
Does blue honeywort come back every year?
Individual plants may not return reliably in colder climates, but blue honeywort can self-seed readily. If some flowers are allowed to mature and produce seed, new seedlings may emerge the following growing season. Gardeners who want to limit self-seeding can remove spent flowers before the seeds mature.
Is blue honeywort poisonous to people or pets?
Blue honeywort is not generally regarded as a highly toxic garden plant, but reliable species-specific information about its safety for pets is limited. It is therefore best not to assume that the plant is safe to eat. Prevent pets and children from consuming significant amounts, and seek appropriate medical or veterinary advice if ingestion results in concerning symptoms.
Quick Facts About Blue Honeywort
| Feature | Details |
| Botanical Name | Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’ |
| Common Names | Blue honeywort, honeywort |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Plant Type | Annual or biennial; commonly grown as an annual |
| Native Range | Mediterranean region (Cerinthe major) |
| Height | About 2–3 feet; occasionally taller in rich growing conditions |
| Spread | Up to about 20 inches |
| Flower Color | Violet to purple |
| Bract Color | Blue-purple to violet-blue |
| Bloom Time | Spring to summer, depending on climate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Well-drained soil |
| Watering | Moderate; allow the upper soil layer to begin drying between waterings |
| Propagation | Seed |
| Pollinators | Attracts bees and other pollinating insects |
| Common Uses | Borders, containers, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, cut flowers |
| Self-Seeding | Readily self-seeds where conditions are favorable |
Tips for Growing Blue Honeywort
With its colorful bracts, blue-green foliage, and relatively straightforward growing requirements, blue honeywort is a distinctive choice for borders, containers, pollinator gardens, and cut-flower plantings. Understanding its growth habit and basic needs will help you keep plants healthy and encourage a long-lasting display of flowers and colorful bracts.
What Is Blue Honeywort?
Blue honeywort belongs to Cerinthe major, a species in the borage family (Boraginaceae) that is native to the Mediterranean region. Although commonly grown as an annual in cooler gardens, its growth cycle can vary with climate, and plants may readily self-seed in areas with mild winters.
One of the plant’s most distinctive features is that much of its apparent blue color comes from the bracts surrounding the flowers rather than from the flowers themselves. The tubular flowers are typically deep violet to purple and hang downward in clusters, while the surrounding bracts develop shades of blue, violet, and purple that can remain colorful for weeks.
The foliage is also ornamental. Smooth, fleshy, blue-green leaves clasp the branching stems and often have a pale, waxy appearance that complements the darker flowers and bracts. Mature plants typically develop a loose, branching habit, with arching flowering stems that make blue honeywort particularly effective in informal borders, cottage gardens, containers, and cut-flower plantings.
A Note on the Name ‘Purpurascens’
The name Purpurascens can appear differently in botanical and horticultural sources. In gardening and seed catalogs, blue honeywort is commonly sold as Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’. However, Kew Plants of the World Online recognizes Cerinthe major subsp. purpurascens as an accepted botanical subspecies, native to southern Spain.
For simplicity, this guide uses the horticultural name Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’ when referring to the ornamental blue honeywort commonly grown in gardens.
How to Grow and Care for Blue Honeywort
Blue honeywort is relatively easy to grow when provided with plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and moderate moisture. Although established plants can tolerate some dry conditions, good drainage is particularly important because honeywort does not perform well in persistently wet soil.
When and How to Plant
Blue honeywort can be started indoors before the last frost or sown directly in the garden. Indoor-grown seedlings should be gradually hardened off before being transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and allow enough space for the plants to develop their naturally branching habit. For detailed sowing and germination instructions, see the seed-growing section below.
Sunlight
Blue honeywort performs best in full sun, where plants generally develop sturdy growth and good flower and bract coloration. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
The plant can also tolerate partial shade, particularly in warmer climates. However, plants grown with less sunlight may become taller and less compact than those growing in full sun.
Soil
Grow blue honeywort in well-drained soil. It adapts to a range of garden soils and does not require exceptionally rich conditions to perform well.
In fact, highly fertile soil can encourage taller, softer growth that may require support. Average garden soil with good drainage is generally sufficient.
If growing honeywort in heavy soil, improve drainage before planting or consider using a raised bed or container.
Watering
Water newly planted honeywort regularly while its root system becomes established. After establishment, the plant can tolerate relatively dry conditions, although some supplemental watering may be beneficial during prolonged periods without rain.
Allow the upper layer of soil to begin drying between waterings rather than keeping it continuously wet. When watering, apply water around the base of the plant so moisture reaches the root zone.
Container-grown honeywort usually dries more quickly and may need more frequent watering than plants growing in the ground.
Fertilizing
Blue honeywort generally does not require heavy fertilization, particularly when grown in reasonably fertile garden soil. Excess nutrients can encourage tall, leafy growth at the expense of a more compact habit.
If plants are growing in very poor soil or containers, a light application of a balanced fertilizer during active growth may be sufficient. Avoid excessive feeding.
Flowering
Blue honeywort produces nodding violet-purple flowers surrounded by conspicuous blue-purple bracts. Flowering time varies with climate and planting time but generally occurs from spring into summer.
In mild climates, plants may germinate during fall or winter and flower earlier in spring. In colder regions, spring-sown plants typically flower later.
The flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, while the colorful surrounding bracts extend the plant’s ornamental display.
Pruning and Deadheading
Blue honeywort does not require extensive pruning. Remove damaged or declining stems as needed, and lightly cut back untidy growth to maintain the plant’s appearance.
Spent flowers can also be removed to keep plants tidy and limit unwanted seedlings. However, if you want blue honeywort to self-seed, leave some flowers on the plant so the seeds can mature and fall naturally.
This provides gardeners with a simple choice: deadhead more consistently to reduce self-seeding, or leave some spent flowers in place to encourage new plants the following season.
Common Pests
Blue honeywort is generally not heavily troubled by pests, but aphids may occasionally feed on tender stems and new growth.
Small infestations can often be dislodged with water or removed by hand. If populations become troublesome, insecticidal soap may be an option when used according to the product label.
Regularly inspecting new growth makes it easier to identify pest problems before populations become severe.
Common Diseases and Growing Problems
Many problems with blue honeywort can be avoided by providing well-drained soil, adequate spacing, and good air circulation.
Avoid keeping the soil persistently saturated, particularly in containers. Plants growing in overly wet conditions may decline, while crowded growth and prolonged moisture on the foliage can encourage disease problems.
If individual leaves or stems become badly damaged or diseased, remove the affected material and dispose of it rather than allowing it to accumulate around the plant.
How to Grow Blue Honeywort From Seed
Blue honeywort is most commonly propagated from seed. Seeds can be started indoors before the last frost or sown directly outdoors, and established plants may also self-seed when mature seeds are allowed to fall naturally.
Starting Seeds Indoors
For an earlier start, sow blue honeywort seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last expected frost, directly into cell packs.
Fill cell packs with a moist, well-drained seed-starting mix and sow the seeds. Keep the growing medium consistently moist, but not saturated, while the seeds germinate.
After the seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light. Before planting them in the garden, gradually harden them off so they can adjust to outdoor sunlight, temperatures, and wind.
Direct Sowing Outdoors
Blue honeywort can also be sown directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in prepared, well-drained soil and keep the planting area moderately moist while the seeds germinate and become established.
Once established, space plants about 12–18 inches apart to provide enough room for their branching growth and adequate air circulation.
Germination
Blue honeywort seeds typically germinate in 5–21 days at temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C).
Keep the growing medium consistently moist during germination, but avoid saturating the soil. Germination time can vary within this range depending on temperature and other growing conditions.
Transplanting Seedlings
Harden off indoor-grown seedlings before transplanting them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Handle young plants carefully and set them at approximately the same depth at which they were growing in their cell packs. Space plants about 12–18 inches apart and water after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Self-Seeding
Blue honeywort can self-seed readily where growing conditions are favorable. If you want new plants to appear naturally the following season, allow some flowers to remain on the plant until their seeds mature and fall.
If you prefer to control its spread, deadhead spent flowers before the seeds fully develop. Volunteer seedlings that appear in unwanted locations can also be removed while they are young.
Collecting Seeds
To save blue honeywort seeds for future planting, allow some flowers to remain on the plant until the seeds mature. Collect the seeds once they are fully developed and dry, taking care to harvest them before they naturally fall to the ground.
Allow collected seeds to dry thoroughly before storing them in a labeled paper envelope or other suitable container in a cool, dry location until the next sowing season.
How to Grow Blue Honeywort in Containers
Blue honeywort grows well in containers, making it a useful choice for patios, balconies, and other spaces where garden beds are limited. Container-grown plants need plenty of sunlight, good drainage, and closer attention to watering than plants growing in the ground.
Choose a container with drainage holes and enough room to accommodate the plant’s branching growth. For a single plant, use a reasonably substantial pot rather than a small nursery container, while larger planters can accommodate several plants when they are spaced appropriately.
Position the container where blue honeywort receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. In very warm climates, some light afternoon shade can be beneficial. Plants may become taller or more open when grown with insufficient light, so a bright location generally produces sturdier growth.
Check container-grown plants regularly because potting mix can dry more quickly than garden soil. Water thoroughly when the upper layer begins to dry, allowing excess water to drain freely from the bottom of the container. Avoid leaving the pot standing in water or keeping the growing medium continuously saturated.
Blue honeywort generally does not need heavy feeding. If the potting mix contains little fertilizer, a light application of a balanced fertilizer during active growth may be sufficient. Avoid excessive feeding, which can encourage tall, soft growth.
As flowering stems develop, some plants may become loose or arching, particularly when grown in rich conditions. Position the container where stems have room to develop naturally, or provide discreet support if necessary. Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant tidy, or leave some flowers to mature if you want to collect seed.
Landscape Uses
Blue honeywort (Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’) brings an unusual combination of blue-green foliage, violet-purple flowers, and blue-purple bracts to garden plantings. Its loose, branching habit works particularly well in informal designs, where it can provide both color and contrasting foliage among other flowering plants.
Borders and Mixed Plantings
Blue honeywort works well in mixed borders and cottage-style gardens, where its blue-purple bracts contrast with yellow, orange, pink, and white flowers. Its blue-green foliage also pairs particularly well with plants that have silver, gray-green, or deep green leaves.
Because plants can develop arching stems as they mature, position them where they have enough room to develop their natural shape rather than crowding them between more compact plants.
Containers
Blue honeywort can be grown in containers and mixed planters, making it a useful choice for patios, balconies, and other small garden spaces.
Pollinator Gardens
The tubular flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, making blue honeywort a useful ornamental addition to pollinator-friendly plantings.
Combine it with other flowering plants that bloom at different times to provide a longer succession of floral resources throughout the growing season.
Cut-Flower Gardens
Blue honeywort can also be grown for cut-flower arrangements. Its unusual flowers, colorful bracts, and blue-green foliage add texture and contrasting color to mixed bouquets.
Plants grown specifically for cutting can be incorporated into dedicated cutting gardens or mixed among other annual flowers.
Accent Planting
The distinctive coloring of blue honeywort makes it particularly effective as an accent plant. Pair its blue and violet tones with yellow or orange flowers for strong contrast, or combine it with white flowers and silver foliage for a softer planting scheme.
Its unusual foliage and bracts can also provide visual interest before and after individual flowers have opened, extending its ornamental contribution to the garden.
Companion Plants
The best companion plants for blue honeywort (Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’) are those that enjoy similar sunny, well-drained growing conditions while providing complementary colors, textures, or flower forms. Its blue-green foliage and blue-purple bracts pair particularly well with yellow, orange, white, pink, and silver-toned plants.
Good companions include:
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Bright yellow and orange flowers create a strong contrast with honeywort’s blue and violet tones. Both work particularly well in informal, cottage-style, and pollinator-friendly plantings.
- California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) – Its orange, yellow, or cream flowers provide vivid color contrast, while its preference for sunny, well-drained conditions makes it a natural partner in relatively dry garden settings.
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.) – Silver-green foliage and purple flower spikes complement honeywort’s blue-green leaves and darker bracts. Lavender is best paired with honeywort where the soil drains freely and neither plant is kept excessively wet.
- Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) – Rounded leaves and brightly colored flowers contrast with honeywort’s upright, branching stems and blue-green foliage. Nasturtiums can also soften the edges of containers and informal borders.
- Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) – The airy foliage and daisy-like flowers of cosmos provide a lighter texture behind or alongside the broader foliage and nodding flowers of honeywort.
- Salvia (Salvia spp.) – Upright flower spikes provide a useful structural contrast to honeywort’s looser growth habit, while many salvias also attract bees and other pollinating insects.
When choosing companions, consider more than flower color. Plants growing together should have reasonably compatible requirements for sunlight, soil drainage, and moisture. Allow enough space between plants for their mature growth and arrange taller selections so they do not excessively shade blue honeywort.
For a pollinator-focused planting, combine honeywort with several flowering species that bloom at different times. This creates a longer sequence of flowers rather than relying on a single plant to provide floral resources throughout the growing season.
Blue Honeywort as a Cut Flower
Blue honeywort (Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’) can be grown as a cut flower, valued for its unusual combination of nodding violet-purple flowers, colorful blue-purple bracts, and blue-green foliage. The stems add both color and texture to mixed bouquets and work particularly well in informal garden-style arrangements.
When to Cut Blue Honeywort
For cut-flower use, harvest blue honeywort when the bracts havedarkened to blue and the flowers are purple. Choose healthy stems with well-developed flowers and bracts, preferably before seed development begins.
Because freshly cut honeywort stems can wilt quickly, harvest during the coolest part of the day, such as early morning, to help reduce moisture loss.
How to Harvest and Condition the Stems
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or floral snips to cut the stems at the desired length. Remove foliage that would otherwise sit below the water line.
Honeywort can be prone to wilting immediately after harvest. To condition freshly cut stems, Floret recommends dipping the bottom 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of each stem in boiling water for about 7–10 seconds, then transferring the stems to cool water. Allow them time to hydrate before arranging them.
Take care when handling the boiling water, and immerse only the lower portion of the stems rather than the flowers or foliage.
Vase Life and Care
Properly harvested and conditioned blue honeywort can have a vase life of approximately 7–10 days.
Arrange the conditioned stems in a clean vase with fresh water and keep the flowers away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Remove any foliage that would remain below the water line, and replace the vase water regularly to help maintain freshness.
Blue honeywort works particularly well as a textural filler in mixed arrangements, where its blue-green foliage, violet-purple flowers, and colorful bracts provide an unusual contrast to more traditional cut flowers.
Final Sprouts of Wisdom
Blue honeywort is an unusual and relatively easy-to-grow ornamental that combines blue-green foliage, violet flowers, and colorful blue-purple bracts in a single plant. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, with moderate watering and enough space for good air circulation.
For most gardeners, growing blue honeywort from seed is the simplest way to establish new plants. Deadheading can help keep plants tidy, while allowing some flowers to mature will encourage seed production and may lead to self-sown plants in future seasons.
Whether grown in borders, containers, pollinator gardens, or cut-flower plantings, Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’ offers distinctive color and texture without requiring complicated care.
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