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Herbaceous Perennial

Catananche caerulea 'Alba'

Cupid's dart 'Alba'

A tufted perennial with narrowly strap-shaped leaves and white flowers to 4cm across in summer and autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
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
  • Gravel garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews

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