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 herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae that forms tufted, deciduous clumps and flowers from June to August. Native to Algeria and Morocco, it suits sunny, well‑drained sites. Plant it on chalk, loam or sand in an east, south or west‑facing position; it is classed H5 (hardy) for UK gardens. Recommended uses include cottage and informal plantings, flower borders, gravel gardens and cut flowers.
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 caespitosa is a tufted herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae, native to Algeria and Morocco. It produces its flowering display between June and August and dies back to deciduous foliage outside the season. The plant’s compact, clump-forming habit suits grouped plantings or the front of a border. Choose a permanently sunny spot and a free‑draining soil: chalk, loam or sand are all appropriate, and it tolerates a wide pH range from acid through neutral to alkaline. Soil should be well drained; position may be on an east, south or west‑facing aspect, and the species performs in both exposed and sheltered situations. With an H5 rating it is classed as hardy in UK conditions, so it will survive typical winter exposure in most areas. Use Catananche caespitosa where a summer flowering perennial is required: it works in cottage and informal schemes, perennial borders and gravel gardens, and is suitable for cutting. Flowers produced in the summer months provide material for fresh arrangements and for adding summer colour to mixed beds.
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.
