Overview
Catananche caerulea is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Catananche, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Catananche caerulea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It is native to Italy, Spain, Baleares, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Portugal and France.
About
Catananche caerulea, or Cupid's dart, is a greyish green perennial herbaceous plant with a basal leaf rosette and conspicuous blue-purple or sometimes white flowerheads, belonging to the daisy family. It is a popular garden plant and is often used in dried flower arrangements. It is native to the Mediterranean region. The flower was supposedly used by the ancient Greeks as a key ingredient in a love potion, hence the common name "Cupid's dart". Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Catananche caerulea
About the genus
Catananche is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It is native to dry meadows in the Mediterranean region.
Wikipedia contributors, "Catananche", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Catananche
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Catananche
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Catananche caerulea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Italy, Spain, Baleares, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Portugal, France
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Catananche caerulea
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging; can be grown from seed sown in spring or autumn; mulch in winter in colder areas
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain plant shape and vigor
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring, Root cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Catananche caerulea?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging; can be grown from seed sown in spring or autumn; mulch in winter in colder areas.
Where is the best place to plant Catananche caerulea?
Catananche caerulea prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Catananche caerulea need?
Catananche caerulea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Catananche caerulea?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain plant shape and vigor.
How big does Catananche caerulea grow?
Catananche caerulea reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Catananche caerulea hardy in the UK?
Catananche caerulea has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Catananche caerulea?
Seed, Division in spring, Root cuttings in winter.
