Blue cupidone
Catananche caerulea · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant blue cupidone: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin
- Soil
- Well-drained, light, poor to average
Care
Exposure
Install blue cupidone in full sun for optimal flowering. It tolerates light shade in very hot Mediterranean climates, but prefers 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Good light promotes compact growth and flower production.
Soil and drainage
This plant dreads stagnant moisture: choose light, gravelly or sandy, well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy, improve it with sand or gravel. Poor soil is not a problem; it even suits chalky terrain.
Watering
Water moderately when planting and during growth. Once established, blue cupidone is very drought-tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry spells. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.
Pruning and deadheading
Remove spent flowers regularly to extend flowering. In late winter (February-March), cut back the clump to 10-15 cm in height to stimulate branching and rejuvenate the plant. This pruning prevents legginess and maintains compactness.
Fertilizing
A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than enough. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. On poor soils, a layer of organic compost on the surface in spring is sufficient.
Diseases and pests
Very hardy and resistant, blue cupidone mainly fears excessive moisture which can cause root rot. Watch for aphids in hot, dry climates. Good drainage and aeration prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Blue cupidone owes its scientific name 'Catananche' to ancient Greece: katà (against) and ananké (necessity). The Greeks used it in love potions meant to 'force' affection. Its delicate flowers with blue striped petals retain their color for a long time once dried, making them a precious flower for bouquets and herbals for centuries.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.