anybody know what this plant is?

cant remember either but it is something I like but cant get to establish.

It's cerinthe major 'Purpurescens'

It looks as if it originates from the mountain areas close to the Mediteranean. Atlas Mountains. Morocco?

I thought it was but couldnt think how to spell it. I've been looking in my big RHS book and its not in! perhaps i need to buy a new version as many newer varieties.

thanks - I do think it was from the med somewhere- it's been difficult to find a picture of one anywhere- probably really common in it's homeland!
I will look up cerinthe major

Which RHS book are you looking in, Sbg? It's in the A -Z. It won't be in the 'Perennials' book, as it's classed as an annual or maybe a biennial.

Yes, it's from the Med - I just checked!

I know this plant very well and andrewr is right it is cerinthe major p....the seeds are easily gathered as they are black and hard...easy to grow..

its the 1996 RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of garden plants published by Dorling kindersley Spritz. As I said it is getting old now. but its still a good book.

thanks everyone thats really helpful- found out it's common name is blue honeywort- I think I brought the seeds back from the sierra nevada several years ago-probably whilst walking along a track somewhere! it really does spread like wildfire, though the picture shows one of the first out this year

My RHS Encylopedia must be about 15 to 20 years old and is still the first book that I turn to even though I have a bookcase full of specialist books.

Yes - mine sit beside my chair so I can look things up easily!

cerinthe major purpurescens, i know cause im growing it