Cupid's dart Catananche caerulea
ABOUT
Catananche caerulea, commonly known as Cupid's Dart, is a perennial plant characterized by its attractive and vibrant flowers. The flower heads are a striking blue or lavender in color, consisting of papery petals that create a frilly, daisy-like appearance. These blooms are nestled atop slender, wiry stems, which emerge from a base of gray-green, narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The leaves form a tufted, grass-like clump, providing a contrasting backdrop to the colorful flowers. Cupid's Dart exudes a quaint and delicate charm, making it a popular choice for ornamental borders and cottage gardens. The blooms are also excellent for cutting and are known for their long vase life, lending an ethereal touch to floral arrangements. When in bloom, the plant has a romantic allure, resonating with its mythological namesake and adding an element of whimsy to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Cupid's Dart, Blue Cupidone, Blue Cat's Eye
Common names
Catananche coerulea, Armeria caerulea, Crocodylium caeruleum, Catananche lutea, Catananche alba, Catananche montana.
ToxicityTo humans
Cupid's dart (Catananche caerulea) is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information on its toxicity, and it is generally not considered a hazard. Consequently, there are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from ingestion of any part of this plant for humans.
To pets
Cupid's dart (Catananche caerulea) is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed as a species that is commonly hazardous to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. Therefore, there is no specific documentation on the symptoms of poisoning or toxicity to pets from ingesting this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, it is always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Catananche caerulea, commonly known as Cupid's dart, has striking blue flowers that are valued for adding visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: It is well-suited for xeriscaping and can thrive in dry conditions once established.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Cupid's dart is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond initial planting.
- Long Blooming Period: It boasts a long flowering season, providing a lengthy display of its distinctive blue blooms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cupid's dart, the common name for Catananche caerulea, can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing a range of blues and purples depending on the mordant used.
- The dried flowers of Cupid's dart are often incorporated into potpourri mixtures for their aesthetic appeal and long-lasting form.
- Cupid's dart has been used in traditional papermaking, where its fibers are included as part of the pulp to create decorative paper products.
- Gardeners plant Cupid's dart to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, aiding pollination in the garden.
- The long stems and distinctive blooms of Cupid's dart are used in floral art, especially in dry flower arrangements due to their resilience.
- Catananche caerulea seeds can be used in seed art, where seeds of various plants are arranged to create patterns and images.
- In some cultures, Cupid's dart flowers are used as a natural confetti at celebrations, especially eco-friendly weddings.
- The silver-green foliage of Cupid's dart provides a contrasting backdrop in garden design, enhancing the visual appeal of garden beds.
- Photographers and artists use the striking blooms of Cupid's dart as subjects or inspiration for their works, capturing its vivid colors and unique shape.
- Environmentally conscious crafters may use Cupid's dart stems as the base material for creating small, decorative, biodegradable items like wreaths or ornaments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCupid's dart is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCupid's dart is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Eternal Love: Catananche caerulea, commonly known as Cupid's dart, is often associated with the concept of eternal love, possibly due to its long-lasting flowers and the mythological connection to Cupid, the Roman god of desire and affection.
- Attraction: The name itself, referring to Cupid, the figure who is said to make people fall in love by shooting his arrow, suggests that the plant symbolizes a strong attraction or the act of enchantment.
- Romantic Feelings: With its dainty, blue flowers, Cupid's dart is often related to the tender emotions and romance, making it a popular choice for expressing romantic feelings through the language of flowers.
WaterCupid's dart requires moderate watering, and it's crucial to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water the plant once a week with about 1-2 gallons, depending on the size of the plant and the soil type. Reduce the frequency of watering in fall and winter, providing enough water to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightCupid's dart thrives in full sun, so it's best placed in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant is tolerant of some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade will lead to poor flowering. Ensure that the light is unobstructed and consistent to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
TemperatureCupid's dart grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. It can survive minor frosts but should be protected if temperatures consistently drop below 50°F. The plant enjoys warm temperatures and should not be exposed to extreme cold, which could cause damage or kill it. Ideal growing conditions would avoid temperatures exceeding 90°F, as intense heat may cause stress to the plant.
PruningPrune Cupid's dart to remove spent flower stalks and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading is typically done after the first flowering peak, which is usually in late spring or early summer. Additionally, cutting back the foliage by about one-third in late summer can help rejuvenate the plant and prompt more blooms. Pruning is also important to maintain a desirable shape and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCupid's Dart requires well-draining sandy or loamy soil with moderate fertility. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly alkaline, around pH 7.0-8.0. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost for optimal drainage and nutrient balance.
RepottingCupid's Dart does not require frequent repotting; it is typically repotted only when the clumps become overcrowded, which may be every 2-3 years. As a perennial, it appreciates being left undisturbed to establish and grow.
Humidity & MistingCupid's Dart is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive. Ambient outdoor humidity is generally sufficient for this plant, making it adaptable to various garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and well-draining soil for Cupid's Dart indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Cupid's Dart in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Catananche caerulea, commonly known as Cupid's Dart, begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when soil temperatures warm. The seeds develop into small rosettes of lance-shaped, gray-green leaves during the juvenile phase. As the plant matures, it enters its vegetative stage, producing more foliage and developing a strong root system. By the second year, the Cupid's Dart enters its flowering stage, producing tall stems topped with blue to lavender flower heads resembling daisies in early to mid-summer. After pollination, often by bees and butterflies, the plant sets seeds, which are dispersed by wind or, less commonly, by animals. The plant may enter a dormancy phase in winter, particularly in colder climates, but it is a perennial and will repeat its growth cycle in subsequent years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Cupid's dart, or Catananche caerulea, is commonly propagated by seed. The ideal time to sow the seeds for Cupid's dart is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. To propagate by seed, scatter the seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and lightly cover with soil since they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and place the container in a warm location with plenty of indirect sunlight. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out and transplant them into their final garden position, spacing them approximately 12 inches (around 30 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth.
