Large wax flower, Cerinthe major: care from A-Z

The large wax flower is a distinctive flower and comes from southern Europe. There the plant is widespread especially in the Mediterranean area and is therefore used to warm and bright site conditions. Since the plant does not have particularly high demands in terms of location and maintenance, it can be cultivated in the local latitudes without any problems. Due to the unusual shape and the intense coloring, the large wax flower stands out as a rarity in the garden bed.

Characteristics

• The botanical name is Cerinthe major
• Belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae)
• Relatively undemanding in terms of care
• Cope with many site conditions
• Needs sunny to partially shaded light conditions
• Thrives in almost any soil
• However, it does not tolerate lime so well
• Ideal for garden beds and pots
• Very easy to grow from seeds
• Usually carries out independent sowing
• Distinctive and perpetually flowering ornamental foliage plant
• Forms blue-green leaves with purple-blue bracts
• Also catches the eye with its decorative flowers
• Warning: Slightly to severely poisonous for humans and animals

Location & plant substrate

Due to its southern origin, the large wax flower tolerates heat very well. That is why it grows much better and more luxuriantly in the warmer regions, for example in the German wine-growing regions. But even exposed locations do not cause this flower any major problems, but it then grows much more slowly and not quite as intensely in height and width. In addition, the plant is generally rather undemanding in terms of site conditions and maintenance. The plant is suitable for both cultivation in the garden bed and for growing in a tub. There you can go well with asters, noble diamonds, heavenly ladders, Catnip, Combine lavender, delphinium, sage, gypsophila and Turkish poppy seeds as plant neighbors.

• Sunny to partially shaded locations are ideal
• Prefers well-drained, humus-rich and fresh soil
• But it can also cope with moderately dry soils
• A weakly acidic to weakly alkaline pH value is optimal
• Attractive plant for borders, garden beds, tubs and hanging baskets
• Fits well in plantations with other perennials
• Excellent as a backdrop for rock gardens
• Also tolerates strong gusts of wind and heavy rainfall

Sowing & planting

The Cerinthe major is an annual plant which develops completely to flowering and seed maturity in the first year of life. This then dies, leaving behind enough seeds for the next generation. For the first sowing, the seeds of the large wax flower can be sown directly into the bed in spring, but the germination process is delayed in cold temperatures. To ensure that the plants bloom in the same year of sowing, they are better protected from the cold in the flower pot. Only when there is guaranteed to be no more frost can the flowers move outside.

• Direct sowing outdoors in warmer locations is possible
• Best time for sowing from April to June, but also possible all year round
• Preferably indoors in cooler regions, from the end of winter
• Forms fairly thick-skinned seeds
• Use potting soil with sand or perlite
• The ideal temperature for sowing is around 20 ° C
• A bright location is ideal
• Germination time is approx. 2-3 weeks
• Let the seeds soak in the container with lukewarm water for about 24-48 hours
• Then cover only lightly and carefully with earth
• Keep the earth's surface constantly moist, never let it dry out completely
• However, do not keep it too wet to prevent mold from forming
• Spreads profusely in the following years by self-sowing

Watering & fertilizing

As a rule, the Cerinthe major does not make great demands when it comes to watering and fertilizing, as it is often used to barren conditions from its home countries. Therefore, the usual rainfall is usually enough for her. However, if it has not rained for a long time in the summer months, additional watering units are welcome. If you want to improve the flowering and its duration, you should also use fertilizers.

• Water regularly when it is dry and during the growing season
• However, do not water too much to avoid waterlogging
• Apply additional fertilizer to poor soils
• Use flower fertilizer from specialist shops 1-2 times a month

Flowers, leaves and growth

The large wax flower is still relatively unknown, but in recent years this plant has attracted the attention of many gardeners due to its outstanding characteristics. The ornamental value of the plant is mainly due to the striking foliage. Over the course of many months, new leaves and flowers keep opening, while the first seeds ripen on the next shoot. However, the exotic looking Cerinthe major is still a rarity in most gardens and is often not easy to get. The flowers are not only extremely decorative, but also very popular with bees as a source of food.

• Grows upright between 40 to 60 cm
• Flowering time with good care and warm locations from May to October
• Blooms in colder locations only from June to August
• Depending on the variety, flowers shine in either blue-violet, golden-yellow or wine-red
• Flowers are bell-shaped and droop in clusters
• Forms blue-green and waxy leaves
• These are framed by purple-blue wrapper leaves
• Simple leaves with entire margins
• The leaves are alternate on stems
• After the flowering period, the Klausen fruits follow

Toxicity

The Cerinthe major is not harmless in handling, as it is slightly to strongly poisonous. This factor depends on the variety and site conditions. Some varieties develop more poison in very good lighting conditions. Therefore, especially small children and still young pets should not play alone near the large wax flowers, as they like to put everything in their mouth and chew on it.

• The leaves and flowers in particular are poisonous
• Can lead to symptoms of poisoning if consumed and touched
• Skin becomes irritated and turns reddish in color
• Ingestion causes discomfort, diarrhea and dizziness
• Dangerous for both humans and animals

Cut

If the large wax flower is pruned, this promotes the flowering pleasure and extends the flowering time. In addition, the handsome impression is obtained by pruning, since withered parts of the plant negatively affect the appearance. Since the plant is only annual, however, it does not need radical pruning.

• After the first 3-5 flowers, cut the shoots
• However, do not prune the inflorescence too much
• Remove dead flowers and leaves regularly
• Be careful when cutting, as it is poisonous
• Ideal as a cut flower for vases

Overwinter

Due to its origin from warmer climes, the large wax bell is not completely frost-hardy. However, since the annual plant looks good on its own and thus multiplies, additional winter protection is not necessary.

Diseases & pests

With good care and suitable site conditions, the large wax flower is usually not susceptible to diseases and pests.