Cupid's Dart
Catananche caerulea
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to Average
Lifespan
Short-lived Perennial
Native To
Southern Europe, North Africa
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
A short-lived, clump-forming perennial with narrow, silvery-green leaves. It produces cornflower-like, lavender-blue flowers on slender, wiry stems throughout the summer. Flowers are surrounded by papery, silvery bracts which are attractive in their own right and make the plant excellent for both fresh-cut and dried flower arrangements.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings lightly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Water regularly but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Prune spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring for healthy growth.
Pro Tip
Use a sandy or loamy soil and ensure full sun exposure for optimal flowering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Deadhead regularly to prolong blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not transplant during peak flowering
- Refrain from fertilizing in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cupid's Dart questions
What zones can Cupid's Dart grow in?
Cupid's Dart is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cupid's Dart deer resistant?
Yes — Cupid's Dart is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Cupid's Dart bloom?
Cupid's Dart typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cupid's Dart need full sun?
Cupid's Dart does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Cupid's Dart drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cupid's Dart handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Cupid's Dart with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
