Cupid’s Dart (Catananche caerulea) A herbaceous perennial in the aster family, native to Northern Africa and regions of Western Europe. Commonly called Cupid’s dart since it was used to make ‘Love Potions’ by Roman and Greek civilizations. This is a short-lived, clump-forming perennial with gorgeous lavender-blue flowers with dark centers that bloom singly on naked wiry stems rising to 2’ tall from a mostly basal clump of narrow, lanceolate, grass-like, gray-green leaves (each 8-12” long). Each flower is subtended by overlapping papery bracts. Flowers bloom freely from mid-summer to autumn.
40 seeds per packet $4.45
This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water.
Growing Instructions: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Surface sow and lightly cover, keeping moist and under full light. Germination takes 2-4 weeks. Can also be directly sown outdoors in late spring once soil temperatures reach 20 C.
