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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 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
  • 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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