Alphabetical Plant Listing

Catananche caerulea (Cupid's Dart)

Cupid's Dart, Blue Cupidone, Blue Daisy, Blue-Flowered Cupid's Dart, Blue Succory, Compulsion-of-Love, Cornflower, Flower of Love, Greek Love Plant


A symbol of love, the flamboyant, rich blue flowers of Catananche caerulea (Cupid's Dart) are pretty additions to the garden and a favorite of flower arrangers. Blooming for weeks, from summer to fall, this attractive perennial features branched sprays of violet-centered, lavender daisy-like flowers, 1-2 in. wide (3-5 cm), surrounded by strawlike, shining bracts. They are followed by attractive papery seedheads that are excellent for dried arrangements. Borne on upright leafless stems, the showy blooms rise above a low clump of narrow gray-green grassy leaves. Add these Cupid's Darts to a sunny spot where you want a bright color splash with no maintenance!

  • Grows in upright clumps up to 18-28 in. tall (45-70 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm). Short-lived (especially if grown in heavy soil), this perennial plant will self-sow in satisfactory conditions and the volunteer seedlings will provide a replacement.
  • Prefers full sun and enjoys any well-drained soil.
  • Easy to grow and virtually pest free, it is also deer and drought-tolerant. May be affected by powdery mildew
  • Perfect for borders and beds, and cottage gardens. Great as cut flowers too!
  • Several cultivars of Cupid's Darts are available, including Catananche caerulea 'Alba', with white flowers; Catananche caerulea 'Major' with lavender-blue petals radiating from royal purple centers.
  • Remove spent flower stalks to promote more blooms. Cut back after flowering
  • Propagate by seed. Propagate by division in spring or by root cuttings in winter
  • Native to Southern Europe

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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