The deep shades of blue offered by this Mediterranean annual are rare in the plant world.
Unlike other plants with rare but short-lived true blue flowers, the bracts ofhoneyworthold their color for weeks.
The foliage ofthis Mediterranean native is also unusual.
Credit: David Speer
The leaves are thick and waxy in an attractive gray-green color.
Honeywort is hardy in Zones 7-10.
Because honeywort is mainly seed-grown, there’s quite a bit of variability in flower color.
Credit: David Speer
Most honeywort blossoms are purple to blue, but you may come across cream-colored and even yellow varieties.
They prefer rich, well-drained soil but aren’t fussy.
Cover the seeds with 1/4 inch of soil and keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
At a temperature between 65F and 75F, the seeds germinate within 5 to 21 days.
After the last frost, transplant the seedlings outdoors 12 to 18 inches apart.
In too much shade, the plant tends to become leggy.
Credit: Stephen Cridland
Soil and Water
Honeywort tolerates various soil conditions, making it an easy-to-grow plant.
The soil should retain a decent amount of moisture while also being well-drained to prevent potential rot problems.
Once established, honeywort withstands the occasional drought, but supplemental watering is beneficial.
However, it won’t survive frost.
The plant grows best in moderate humidity.
Fertilizer
Fertilize container-grown honeywort once a month with aliquid all-purpose fertilizeraccording to product label instructions.
In the garden, fertilizer isn’t necessary; instead, amend the soil with compost when planting.
Pruning
Honeywort doesn’t need pruning.
For a neater appearance, just remove yellowing or dead leaves.
Potting and Repotting Honeywort
Honeywort grows well in pots.
Choose one with adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
As honeywort is an annual, repotting isn’t necessary.
The foliage is silvery-blue.
‘Purple Belle’ Honeywort
One of the most popular varieties,C.
majorsubsp.purpurascens’Purple Belle' grows magenta bell-shaped bracts over blue-gray leaves.
Honeywort Companion Plants
Angelonia
Angeloniais also called summer snapdragon.
It’s the perfect choice for adding bright color to hot, sunny spaces.
Keep an eye out for the sweetly scented selections.
While most gardeners treat angelonia as an annual, it is a tough perennial in warmer climates.
The low clumps of long-stemmed evergreen or semi-evergreen lobed foliage make coralbells good groundcover plants.
Its silver-felted foliage quickly forms a dense mat.
It also contrasts nicely with other foliage and most flowers.
Zones 4-9
Frequently Asked Questions
Honeywort attracts pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers.
These white spots are natural and nothing to worry about.
As the plant grows and matures, the white mottling fades.
