The bright blue, cornflower-like blooms of cupid's dart, Catananche caerulea, appear continuously from early to late summer, peaking in midsummer. Each papery blue petal has a fine silvery stripe through the centre. Plants are narrow and upright with sparse foliage; single specimens do not make much of a show so plant three or five in a group to make a better display.
Grow Catananche caerulea in full sun in well-drained soil, such as a mixed herbaceous border or gravel garden. Pair with with grey or silver-leafed plants such as artemisia and Stachys byzantina, which enjoy similar growing conditions.
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Catananche and wildlife
Catananche is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
