Catananche caerulea 'Major' (Cupid's dart 'Major') — perennial herbaceous

Overview

Catananche caerulea 'Major' is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Catananche, part of the Asteraceae family. Catananche caerulea 'Major' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral and alkaline pH. 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 'Major' is a perennial herbaceous plant that bears blue-purple flowerheads from June to August. It forms grey-green, softly hairy foliage with erect flowering stems. It prefers full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. Use it where open, sunlit conditions are combined with some shelter from strong winds.

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

In the garden

Catananche caerulea 'Major' is a Mediterranean perennial, native to countries including Italy, Spain, the Baleares, Portugal, France and parts of North Africa. Its summer display runs from June to August and the flowerheads are often used for dried arrangements. The plant produces a basal foliage layer with flowering stems rising above it to reveal the coloured heads. Site it in full sun on well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to alkaline pH; moisture may be dry to medium rather than constantly moist. A south-facing position suits it best, and although it favours an open aspect it benefits from shelter against strong winds to protect the stems. It is rated H5, meaning it is hardy in most UK gardens provided drainage and exposure are suitable. Cupid's dart 'Major' fits naturally into gravel or rock gardens, sunny mixed borders and beds where summer colour and structure are wanted, and it also performs well for cutting and drying. Leave flowerheads on the plant until fully open and coloured if you intend to use them dried, as the papery bracts make reliable material for arrangements.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Catananche

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained, sandy or loamy
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: dry to medium
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: open, sheltered from strong winds
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Catananche caerulea 'Major' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial herbaceous
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 'Major'

Cultivation: easy to grow, drought tolerant once established
Pruning: deadhead to prolong flowering
Propagation: seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Catananche caerulea 'Major'?

Easy to grow, drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Catananche caerulea 'Major'?

Catananche caerulea 'Major' prefers full sun. It suits open and sheltered from strong winds positions.

What soil does Catananche caerulea 'Major' need?

Catananche caerulea 'Major' grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Catananche caerulea 'Major'?

Deadhead to prolong flowering.

Is Catananche caerulea 'Major' hardy in the UK?

Catananche caerulea 'Major' 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 'Major'?

Seed, division.

More in the Catananche genus

Browse all Catananche →