Die heutige Vase beinhaltet eine meiner Lieblingsblumen. Sie ist unkompliziert, gesund, anspruchslos, und wenn sie deinen Garten liebt, bleibt sie dir ewig treu. Es handelt sich um die zweijährige Cerinthe major ‚Purpurascens‘. Sie blüht jetzt, und da ihre Liebe zu meinem Garten mit jedem Jahr grösser wird, hat sich diese charmante Vagabundin mittlerweile fast überall niedergelassen. Dabei wird sie aber nie lästig und ist –falls man’s über’s Herz bringt– schnell entfernt. Ich schneide sie lieber für die Vase! Umschlungen wird sie von einer anderen Wilden, die vor allem jetzt in unserer Region sehr begehrt ist: Sie werden bei uns „respounchous“ genannt und heissen lateinisch Dioscorea communis. Nun sammelt man die jungen Triebspitzen und bereitet sie wie wilden Spargel zu. Es ist übrigens eine sehr adrette Kletterpflanze mit herzförmigem Laub, die sich im Spätsommer mit knallroten Beeren schmückt. Voilà, wieder was dazu gelernt! Schaut bei Cathy, der Erfinderin der Montasgvase vorbei. Ich wünsche euch eine sonnige Woche und viele schöne Naturbegegnungen 🙂
Today’s vase features one of my favourite flowers. It’s unfussy, healthy and undemanding and if it decides to love your garden, it’ll stay with you forever. I’m talking about the biennial Cerinthe major ‚Purpurascens‘. It’s flowering now and because its love for my garden is seemingly growing, this charming vagabond has settled in a lot of corners. Not in a rogue-like way though, and it can easily be pulled up where it isn’t wanted and if you have the heart to do so…or you can cut some for the vase! Another wild plant has used mine as a support. It’s a delicacy and much in demand these days in our part of the world. They’re called „respounchous“ by the locals, Dioscorea communis in Latin. You collect the tips of the young shoots and prepare them like wild asparagus. It’s a most attractive climber by the way with heart-shaped leaves and is covered in delightful red berries later in the year. Hope I was able to teach you something new! Pop over to Cathy who’s hosting the Vase on a monday. Wishing you a sunny week and beautiful nature encounters 🙂
Annettes Garten / Annette's Garden 
I’ve used Cerinthe today too, in my vase; it is such a useful plant. When I was in the south of Italy a couple of weeks ago I saw the native wild form growing which is identical but with yellow flowers. I think these are just as attractive but I’ve never seen them in gardens. Sadly it was too early for there to have been any seeds but I will try to seach for some.
yes, Christina, I saw them years ago in Sicily and thought they were rather pretty if less showy but Cerinthe certainly deserve a place in our gardens
Cerinthe is populat in vases today, but I guess you will be the only one with ‚Dioscorea communis‘ which I googled to see if there was a common UK name….black bryony. I thought it looked bryony-like but it is white bryony we get in our garden and it is a little different. Not sure if you can eat that one… 😉 Thanks for sharing today, Annette
Glad I’ve included that sets me apart, Cathy, and edible too. Black briony is the English word in fact and the tips can be harvested early. Bet Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall would have something to say to that!
What a lovely vase. Cerinthe is a“new“ plant for me…a winner.
It sure is, John, and such a humble thing too, wouldn’t want to miss it for anything.
Herrlich, Annette…die kannte ich noch nicht! ❤
Ist ein ‚must have‘ in meinen Augen, liebe Sabine, und hat diesen Winter -7°C ohne zu murren überstanden. Im Wallis war sie allerdings einjährig, harte Winter sind nichts für sie.
Your happy wanderers amke a lovely vase. Cerinthe rambles through my garden too but never appears in large numbers and our summer temperatures usually send it packing. the Dioscorea is new to me. I like the movement is adds to your vase.
It doesn’t mind the heat here but its seeds only germinate with the first autumn rains, Kris, otherwise it’s really drought- tolerant.
Cerinthe is beautiful and what’s not to like about an easily-removed self spreader. I never have seen it growing in my area but something to research. Dioscorea is unusual. The little pitcher holding your flowers today is very pretty Annette.
Lovely wildlings, Annette! I adore Cerinthe, but seem to have lost quite a few seedlings in the very cold winter – some still battling on near a warm wall! Hopefully when we get some rain others will pop up to replace them.
Mine stood up to -7°C this winter, Cathy, and I was surprised to see them get through that unharmed. In Switzerland I grew them as annuals. Your winters must be a lot tougher than ours.
I think we had nearly -20 C here this winter. Ours are always annual/biennial. I remember seeing quite a few seedlings in the autumn last year, but they mostly seem to be gone now, except for right up near the rampart walls in the warmest part of the garden. Hopefully there’s more seed in the ground – I do have trouble with self-seeders due to the heavy clay. Some like it, others not so happy. Cerinthe was really just beginning to establish.
I love Cerinthe, but it didn’t grow for me when I tried it once a few years ago. That little climber is equally pretty though. I have never heard of it either and looked it up in German – Gemeine Schmerwurz. Prefer the English name!
Cathy, I think they wouldn’t survive your cold winters but you can always grow them as annuals which is what I’ve done in the alps.
It’s wonderful seeing your Cerinthe, Annette! And your description is perfect 🙂 I have felt very honored that it has begun seeding around in my very hot, dry little garden… though mine are about finished for the season now. They are definitely annuals here, dying off in the summer, but they have done such a lovely job through the cooler months.
By the way, I love your little jug too! 😉
It’s really lovely Annette .. I must see if it grows here. Super pic as always 😃
Thank you, Julie, I keep some seeds for you 🙂 PS: If you can’t make it I can send them.
Oh I’m entranced by your close up of the cerinthe Annette. I have a couple of self seeders that have overwintered and are just coming into flower now. You’ve certainly taught me something new. I’m off to find out more about dioscorea communis 🙂
Hey Annette … just sent you an email 😀