Overview
Catananche caerulea 'Alba' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Catananche, part of the Asteraceae family. Catananche caerulea 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and dried flower arrangements. It is native to Italy, Spain, Baleares, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Portugal and France.
About
Catananche caerulea 'Alba' is a short-lived herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae that bears white, papery daisy-like flowerheads. It produces a basal rosette of softly hairy, grey-green leaves from which erect, branched flowering stems rise. Flowering runs June to August and the heads are commonly used in dried arrangements.
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
In the garden
Catananche caerulea 'Alba' belongs to the daisy family and traces its origins to the Mediterranean region. Plants form a basal rosette of woolly, grey-green leaves; from that rosette one or a few strongly branched flowering stems develop, carrying the white, papery heads that give the plant its ornamental value. Place this cultivar where conditions reflect its native climate — a warm, well-drained spot that receives plenty of light will best express the leaf texture and keep the stems upright. It behaves as a short-lived perennial, producing its main display in summer: expect blooms from June to August. The papery nature of the flowerheads means they hold up well once cut. Use Catananche caerulea 'Alba' at the front or middle of sunny borders, on gravel or in mixed dried arrangements. Allow heads to mature on the plant until they begin to dry, or cut stems when almost fully open, then hang or wire for drying; the bracts retain shape and form attractive dried specimens specific to this species and cultivar.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Catananche
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Catananche caerulea 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, dried flower arrangements
- Native to
- Italy, Spain, Baleares, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Portugal, France
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Catananche caerulea 'Alba'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Catananche caerulea 'Alba'?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Catananche caerulea 'Alba'?
Catananche caerulea 'Alba' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Catananche caerulea 'Alba' need?
Catananche caerulea 'Alba' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Catananche caerulea 'Alba'?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Catananche caerulea 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Catananche caerulea 'Alba' 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 'Alba'?
Seed, division.
