Catananche caerulea 'Major'

RHS Plant Profile
Cupid's dart 'Major'
Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

'Major' is an herbaceous perennial to 60cm in height, with erect, grassy leaves and branched sprays of dark-centred, lavender-blue daisies 5cm in width

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Catananche may be annuals or short-lived perennials with narrow leaves and solitary flowers heads with silvery bracts and strap-shaped florets; can be dried
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Suited to any well-drained soil in full sun; good drought resistance. Often short-lived if grown on heavy soil

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or by root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews