Catananche - Cupid's Dart
Consisting of 5 species of annuals and perennials from the Mediterranean region, this genus of the daisy...Read More family is usually represented in gardens by only one of these, the common Cupid's dart (Catananche caerulea). Their growth form is like a dandelion, with narrow basal leaves radiating from a root crown, and leafless flowering stems each terminating in a showy blue or yellow flowerhead. The heads are of a distinctive pattern with rather few ray florets that are broad and flat with 5 prominent teeth at the tip of each and a darker zone at the base; disc florets are absent. The genus name is from a Greek word meaning 'love potion', indicating its use in ancient times; the common name is a fanciful version of the same.
Cultivation:
Grow in full sun in any soil as long as it is well-drained. Propagate from seed or root cuttings or by division.
Catananche caerulea -Common Cupid's Dart
The common Cupid's dart is popular as a cottage garden plant or can be grown among grasses in a meadow garden. A fast-growing but usually short-lived perennial, it reaches 24" in height with a spread of 12". The narrow leaves are gray-green and thin, forming a dense basal clump. Lavender-blue flowerheads 1-2" across are borne freely throughout summer on slender, weak, leafless stems. The flowers are suitable for drying. 'Major' is a somewhat untidy cultivar with darker blue blooms, while in 'Bicolor' they are white with a deep purple center or all white in 'Perry's White'.
Zones 7-10.
Catananche - Cupid's Dart
Consisting of 5 species of annuals and perennials from the Mediterranean region, this genus of the daisy...Read More