Honeywort

cerinthe major

Also known as: ["Blue Shrimp Plant","Lion's Leaf"]

Family: Boraginaceae Genus: Cerinthe Category: Flowers

Overview

An annual or short-lived perennial plant with striking blue-green foliage and tubular flowers that attract pollinators.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Boraginales
Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Cerinthe
Botanical Name: Cerinthe major

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak heat; monitor for sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, fertile garden loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good drainage; enrich with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler conditions but not frost.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Apply fertilizer after watering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing before winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in moist medium.
  5. Keep humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix (e.g., peat-based mix with perlite or sand).

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim leggy stems to promote compact growth.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or damaged growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, clean scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune in early morning; remove dead or diseased parts; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wet leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; susceptible to frost damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection in cold climates; avoid overwatering in cool conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Cerinthe major may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Cerinthe major can be caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage from pests or pathogens, leading to reduced water absorption.

Leaf spots on Cerinthe major may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting in Cerinthe major is often associated with root or stem rot caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soil, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Cerinthe major is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known substances that would cause adverse effects in felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for keeping this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Cerinthe major is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known substances that would cause adverse effects in canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for keeping this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Cerinthe major is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic compounds or physiological effects associated with ingestion of this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I propagate Cerinthe major?

A: It can be propagated by seed sowing in early spring or by taking stem cuttings.

Q: Does Cerinthe major require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Q: Is Cerinthe major deer resistant?

A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its fuzzy foliage.

Quick Reference
Family: Boraginaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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