Cerinthe major purpurescens
Although slow to colonize here in Alice's Garden, the richly graduated shades of blue, purple and green of Cerinthe are now rampant, bolstering the planting in the garden's central bed. I extended an invitation to this self-sowing annual years ago, but its promiscuous nature has only recently taken hold in the loamy soil. I find the flower color to be reminiscent of Han Purple, an ancient pigment found in the decoration of China's terra cotta army figures. Oe perhaps the color is more akin to the Royal Purple associated with Medieval Europe. In general, I am put off by the color purple for clothing or decor. But in the garden, I revel in the contrast between the bracts' blue-purple hues and the rounded, pale blue-green leaves.
It is a pretty color....promiscuous you say...???
ReplyDeleteAlice, what a beauty you have in your garden!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tatyana.
ReplyDelete'She' knows her appeal... this promiscuous lady!
Janet,
ReplyDeleteThere's no controlling this colorful character!
I didn't know green and purple can combine so well together. This is very unique indeed.
ReplyDeleteAutumn Belle,
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's the hint of blue in the green foliage that picks up an echo of blue in the purple bracts;-D
I just started some this year from seed and now am trying to decide where to plant it. It's such a pretty flower, but I hardly ever see it in gardens around here.
ReplyDeleteAlice:
ReplyDeleteSwarthy, and promiscuous, but can Cerinthe be a Prince for me? I have three pots of seedlings meandering along the top shelf of my plant rack. This is the only annual I grow!
I haven't seen cerinthe in the Northeast. I wish it was available here. It is very pretty.
ReplyDeleteOh Alice, That is exquisite! The bloom and the photograph! I too love purple in the garden and some accents work beautifully in clothing too. ;>)
ReplyDeleteI love this plant--it grows well in my Southwest Washington state garden.
ReplyDelete