Contents
Description
Catananche Caerulea, also known as Cupid’s Dart or Blue Cupidone, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing in dry meadows, rocky slopes, and woodland edges. This plant is known for its striking blue flowers that bloom in summer and attract bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Catananche |
Appearance
Catananche Caerulea can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. It has narrow, gray-green leaves that are about 6 inches long. The blue flowers are daisy-like and have a diameter of about 1 inch. They are held on long, wiry stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers can bloom from June to August and may continue to bloom if deadheaded regularly.
Care Guide
Catananche Caerulea is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but do not overwater.
- Fertilization: Catananche Caerulea does not require fertilizer, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil. If your soil is heavy, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Catananche Caerulea prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Catananche Caerulea is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater.
Habitat
Catananche Caerulea is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing in dry meadows, rocky slopes, and woodland edges. It is well-suited to hot, dry summers and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Catananche Caerulea deer-resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Catananche Caerulea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Catananche Caerulea be deadheaded?
A: Deadhead the plant regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Remove spent flowers as soon as they start to fade.
Q: Can Catananche Caerulea be propagated by division?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated by division in spring or fall. Dig up the plant and divide the root ball into several sections, making sure each section has some roots attached. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
- Catananche Alba
- Catananche Lutea
- Catananche Cervicolor
References
- “Catananche Caerulea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f842
- “Catananche Caerulea.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9847/Catananche-caerulea/Details
- “Catananche Caerulea.” Plant of the Week. Accessed 28 June 2021. https://www.plantoftheweek.org/week227.shtml
