Catananche
( kat - an - NAN - kee )
At-A-Glance InformationThese Mediterranean flowers naturally occur in dry meadow habitats, and produce cornflower-like blooms in summertime in shades of blue, yellow and white. These colorful additions to gardens are great in mixed beds, in sunny border gardens, and flowers are commonly cut for use in dried flower arrangements.
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Catananche Species and Varietals
The genus Catananche is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes 5 species. These flowering plants grow best in zones 1-10 and 14-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Catananche caerulea (Cupid's Dart) This perennial flowering plant needs full sun and moderate water. This native of Europe thrives in summertime, when its blooms are commonly cut for fresh or dried arrangements. Flowers are lavender-blue and surrounded by shiny bracts. They sprout from a clump of gray-green grassy leaves at the top of stems that reach 2 feet tall. Varieties include 'Alba' (with white blooms that have purple centers) and 'Major' (pictured, with light purple blooms that have dark centers). |
Caring for Catananche
These plants should be dead-headed to prolong bloom period, and are short-lived, but will sprout via volunteer seedlings. These will bloom in the first year from seed sown in early springtime. The first flowers that emerge tend to be closer to the ground and are partially hidden by foliage; later flowers will be on full-height stems.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Catananche caerulea (Cupid's Dart)
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