Overview
Catananche caespitosa is a bushy,tufted herbaceous perennial in the genus Catananche, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Catananche caespitosa 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, flower borders and beds, gravel garden and cut flowers. It is native to Algeria and Morocco.
About
Catananche caespitosa is a bushy, tufted cultivar of the Catananche genus, which includes annuals or short-lived perennials with slender leaves and single flower heads featuring silvery bracts and long, strap-like florets. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for cottage gardens, flower borders, gravel gardens, and as cut flowers. Native to Algeria and Morocco, it flowers in spring and can be propagated by seed, division, or root cuttings.
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 caespitosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy,Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Gravel garden, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Algeria, Morocco
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Catananche caespitosa
- Propagation
- Seed,Division in spring,Root cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Catananche caespitosa?
Catananche caespitosa prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Catananche caespitosa need?
Catananche caespitosa 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.
Is Catananche caespitosa hardy in the UK?
Catananche caespitosa 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 caespitosa?
Seed,Division in spring,Root cuttings in winter.
More in the Catananche genus
- Catananche caeruleablue-flowered Cupid's dart
- Catananche caerulea 'Alba'Cupid's Dart
- Catananche caerulea 'Bicolor'Cupidone
- Catananche caerulea 'Major'Cupid's dart 'Major'
- Catananche caerulea 'Perry's White'Cupid's Dart