Catananche caerulea bicolor

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

• Flowers in : Summer
• Germination : Easy
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Borders, Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers
• Special Features : Flowers in 1st Year
• Height : 36 inches

Description

This first-year flowering hardy perennial is the rarer white form of the blue Cupid's Dart. White semi-double star-like flowers, occasionally flecked with blue, 5cm (2in), stand upon long wiry stems held well above the neat grey green foliage. Together with the silvery buds, this plant makes an eye-catching cut flower, or border plant. Height: 60-90cm (24-36in).

 Customer Rating

Reviews
Best for germination
By Elizabeth Colley 11-11-2010
All of the seeds from the packet germinated. They are still flowering away (mid November) and do not appear to be effected by the wind, rain or frost. Their everlasting blooms mean that I now have a wonderful bunch to display in my house through the winter.

Sowing Instructions

Sow 1.5mm (1/16in) deep from February to June in a good seed compost. Seed sown in February will often flower the same year. Germination can take 14-28 days at 18-20C (65-70F). Keep the compost moist but not saturated, sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is helpful. Lower the temperature after germination to around 13-18C (55-60F) and when large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings carefully, into boxes or 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow in good light.

Growing Instructions

When well grown gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out 45cm (18in) apart in full sun and well drained, ordinary garden soil.

Aftercare

Water in after planting and until fully established, an occasional good soaking in very hot weather is helpful. The papery bracts surrounding the flower bud can be dried to make 'everlastings'.