Catananche caerulea is a short lived perennial native to Southwest Europe, Northern Africa and Italy. It is a garden flower and commonly called Cupid's dart, blue cupidone, and cerverina.

 

It has clumps of grass like foliage and bear single lilac flowers with dark centers. The height of the plant is about 60cm and it spread to 30cm. It has white or blue flowers, up to 2 inches wide (5 cm) and on 2 feet tall stems (60 cm). The flowers have rectangular, fringed petals and deep purple centers. The closed buds are soft and silver and the bracts form a papery cup beneath the opened blossom. It has grayish green, leaves which are 8 inches to 12 inches long (20 cm-30 cm).

 

The flowering period is mid summer to autumn. Needs well-drained soil; plants will be very short-lived in heavy soils. The plant should be sown late winter to spring in good seed compost just covering the seed with compost and gently firm down compost. Germination usually takes 21-25 days at 19-24C (65-75F).When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 45cm (18in) apart in a sunny spot on light.

 

It is affected by powdery mildew which may be a problem.

 

The flowers dry well for floral arrangements. It is an easy to raise, free flowering plant for the front of the border. The brilliant sky blue flowers are freely produced and are excellent for cutting, lasting a long time in water. They can also be dried for winter decoration.

 

Did you know?

 

·        The flower was supposedly used by the ancient Greeks as a key ingredient in a love potion, hence the common name "Cupid's dart".