CUPID'S DART

Catananche caerulea

Native to the south of France, Cupid's Dart is so named for its inclusion in an ancient philtre or love potion. The botanical name may also be a testament to the flowers' proclivity to ultimately revert to blue, even after careful selection of seed from rare white flowering plants.

This seed will produce a profusion of pretty periwinkle flowers on long sprawling threadlike stems. Tidy rosettes of basal foliage are easily tucked amongst shrubs and other perennials. Short lived but easy from seed. Prefers average garden soil with good drainage in full or part sun.

A beautiful and romantic cut flower, the long stems of Cupid's Dart may grow to 30". Stunning in the landscape with pink and coral tall phlox or bronze-colored grasses. Flowers are similar in some ways to those of Chicory, but are much more suited to cutting. Chicory flowers will not hold after being cut.

Sow outdoors as soon as soil can be worked or indoors 8 weeks before the last frost: sow seeds just below surface of moist soil, pressing gently to keep seed snug; mist and cover with plastic; kept warm (70F) and moist seeds will germinate in 2 weeks or so. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual containers at room temperature and not-too-bright light. Transplant outdoors on or around the date of the last frost.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.