White Cupid's Dart Catananche caerulea 'Alba'
ABOUT
The Catananche caerulea 'Alba', commonly known as Cupid's Dart, is an attractive perennial plant known for its distinctive flowers. This cultivar 'Alba' is noted for its charming white blooms, which stand out against the green foliage. The flower heads are similar in appearance to daisies, with a central disc surrounded by petal-like rays. These rays are usually pure white, giving it a crisp and clean look that can brighten up any garden space. The leaves of Cupid's Dart are narrow and elongated, resembling slender straps, and have a greyish-green color that provides a lovely contrast with the white flowers. The foliage forms a low mound or tuft at the base, from which flower stalks arise. Each stalk is topped with a single flower head, and the blooms are known for their papery texture. Cupid's Dart has a relatively long blooming period, which extends through summer and sometimes into early autumn, making it a preferred choice for continuous color in garden beds and borders. Moreover, the flowers can be used for cutting and are known to last well in a vase, adding to their versatility as a garden plant. The plant's overall appearance is one of simplicity and charm, with its delicate-looking white flowers swaying gently above the foliage. Its classic beauty is suitable for various garden designs, from informal cottage gardens to more structured borders, and it is often favored by pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which adds dynamism and life to its presence in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Cupid's Dart, White Cupid's Dart.
Common names
Catananche coerulea 'Alba', Catananche caerulea var. alba.
ToxicityTo humans
Cupid's dart (Catananche caerulea 'Alba') is not widely reported to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause reactions in some people. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the plant or to handle it with care if you have sensitive skin or known plant allergies. There is no well-documented evidence of poisoning from Cupid's dart, so the specific symptoms of poisoning are not clearly defined.
To pets
Cupid's dart is also not commonly listed as toxic to pets. However, the same cautions apply as with humans: individual pets may have sensitivities or allergies to the plant. To prevent any possible adverse reactions, it is best to discourage pets from ingesting any part of the plant. Since there is no substantial evidence of toxicity, specific symptoms from consuming Cupid's dart are not well-established. If you suspect your pet has ingested Cupid's dart and is showing unusual symptoms, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: It is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are important for the pollination of many plants.
- Drought-resistant: Once established, it has low water needs and is suitable for xeriscaping or dry garden areas.
- Low maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the occasional deadheading and division every few years.
- Long blooming period: It provides flowers throughout the summer, adding long-lasting color to the garden.
- Deer resistant: It is not favored by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Ornamental value: With its attractive white flowers, it adds aesthetic appeal to any garden design.
- Cut flower potential: Its sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make it suitable for use in fresh floral arrangements.
- Rabbit resistant: It is not typically eaten by rabbits, which can be beneficial in preserving garden foliage.
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, due to its long-lasting blooms, can be used for ornamental purposes in making dried flower arrangements, maintaining its color and form well after drying.
- The ground cover potential of Cupid's dart makes it suitable for erosion control on slopes or in areas where low-maintenance landscaping is desired.
- As a border plant in gardens, Cupid's dart provides structure and can help define walkways and garden paths while adding visual interest.
- The silvery-green foliage of Cupid's dart offers a contrasting texture and color in rock gardens, complementing more traditional alpine plants.
- Its drought tolerance makes Cupid's dart an ideal candidate for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- Due to its appealing look when backlit, Cupid's dart can be strategically placed to catch the early morning or late afternoon sun, creating a glowing effect in the garden.
- Cupid's dart can serve as an informal hedge when planted in a row, providing a natural and low-maintenance boundary for property lines.
- The long stems and striking flowers of Cupid's dart make it a good plant for inclusion in wildlife gardens designed to attract bees and butterflies.
- When used in sensory gardens, the plant's unique texture and blue flowers provide visual and tactile stimulation for visitors.
- By planting Cupid's dart alongside vegetables, it can function as a companion plant that attracts pollinators, potentially increasing vegetable yields.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cupid's dart is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cupid's dart is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Eternal Love: Also known as "Cupid's Dart," Catananche caerulea 'Alba' is commonly associated with a representation of unending love, making them a popular choice for romantic bouquets or gestures.
- Attraction: The name "Cupid's Dart" also conveys the symbolism of attraction, alluding to Cupid's mythical power to make people fall in love, symbolizing a strong and immediate attraction.
- Endurance: These flowers are known for their hardy nature and ability to thrive in tough conditions. They symbolize endurance and the ability to withstand challenges in life.
WaterCupid's Dart should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. A general rule of thumb is to water every 7 to 10 days, providing approximately 1 inch of water each time, which translates to about 0.6 gallons for a typical garden plant. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage. In hotter, drier climates, more frequent watering may be necessary, while in cooler, wetter climates, less frequent watering is suitable. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightCupid's Dart thrives best in full sun exposure, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It should be placed in a location where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. Partial shade is tolerated, but flowering may be reduced and the plant may not grow as vigorously. Avoid deep shade, as this can lead to poor growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureCupid's Dart can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in zones 4 to 8. It survives minimum temperatures down to around -30 degrees Fahrenheit and can endure high temperatures as long as it is well-watered. The ideal temperature range for growing Cupid's Dart is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat may cause the plant to go dormant earlier in the season.
PruningCupid's Dart benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. In early spring or late fall, cut back dead foliage to the base to keep the plant tidy and healthy. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the blooming period to keep the plant looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCupid's Dart 'Alba' thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of sand, loam, and compost, ideal pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingCupid's Dart 'Alba' is a perennial and does not often need repotting; do so only when overcrowding is evident, typically every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingCupid's Dart 'Alba' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels typical of outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCupid's dart 'Alba', or Catananche caerulea 'Alba', initiates its life cycle as a seed, requiring well-drained soil and full sun exposure for optimal germination. Upon sprouting, the seedling develops a rosette of lance-shaped, gray-green leaves, and the plant enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on root and foliage growth. As it matures, typically within the first or second year, it produces tall, erect flower stems topped with delicate, papery white blooms in late spring to summer. After flowering, the plant sets seeds which can be dispersed by wind or collected for propagation. In the post-blooming period, the plant begins senescence; foliage may start to die back, especially if it is a perennial variety in a cold climate preparing for winter dormancy. Cupid's dart 'Alba' may behave as a short-lived perennial or biennial, eventually completing its life cycle by dying after seed set, although it can also self-seed and give rise to new plants in subsequent seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Cupid's dart, scientifically known as Catananche caerulea 'Alba', is best propagated through seed sowing. Seed propagation can be done either in autumn or spring. However, the most popular method for propagating this perennial is to sow seeds in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. To ensure the best germination, seeds should be sprinkled on top of well-drained soil and lightly covered. The soil should be kept moist until germination occurs. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, typically when they have a couple of sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their intended location in the garden, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth.
