Cupid’s Dart (Catananche caerulea) is a perennial wildflower grown for its tall stems of charming lavender-blue flowers that appear in mid-summer, attracting butterflies. Flowers bloom on tall, wiry stems over low, grassy foliage. Catananche is a popular cottage garden species that mixes easily into the perennial border where it will re-seed itself when happy. Excellent for mass planting, and fresh or dried flowers.
Cupid's Dart (Catananche Caerulea Blue) - What a wonderful perennial for cottage gardens, xeriscape landscaping, or flower borders. Commonly known as Cupid's Dart or Love Plant, it is well-known for its stunning blue blooms with dark blue eyes. The bloom season for Cupid's Dart is long, lasting all summer and into fall. Hot summers in full sun and poor soil does not keep this Cupid's Dart plant from performing well as it is quite resistant to heat and drought
How to grow
How To Grow Cupid's Dart From Seed: Cupid's Dart will bloom the first year if the flower seed is planted early, in late winter. To do an early planting, sow Catananche caerulea seeds indoors using moist seed compost and starter trays. Sow the Cupid's Dart seeds on the surface and lightly cover the flower seeds with moistened soil. Keep the flower seeds moist until germination.
When seedlings are large enough to handle transplant them into 3 inch pots. Keep them in a light place but not in direct sun. Gradually harden Cupid's Dart plants to outside conditions for 10 - 15 days before planting them in their permanent place after frost season has passed.
Historically used in love potions, hence the name, this beautiful summer perennial provides a stunning blue accent to planting schemes. Bright blue, cornflower-like flowers on tall, upright stems appear continuously from early to late summer, peaking in midsummer. Later, attractive seed heads form, prolonging the season of interest right into autumn. Plant three or five in a group to make more of an impact in the border. A long lasting cut or dried flower.
“Cupid’s Dart” A marvelous cut flower for either fresh or dried arrangements, is an easy to grow, drought tolerant, problem free perennial. Lovely soft lavender blue flowers are produced freely on slender stems in Summer atop silvery-green foliage. A sunny well drained situation. The seed heads are great for dried floral arranging and the fresh flowers pick well.
