Cupid's Dart - Elegant Perennial Blooms Pollinators Love
Cupid’s Dart (Catananche caerulea) is a charming, clump-forming perennial known for its delicate, papery, lavender-blue flowers carried on tall, wiry stems. Its airy structure and silvery-green foliage bring a soft, romantic texture to sunny borders. Cupid’s Dart thrives in well-drained soil and dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, drought-tolerant options. While its blossoms look delicate, they hold up well in heat and sun, offering long-lasting color through much of summer. As one of the more resilient cupid’s dart varieties, it performs reliably in cottage gardens, meadows, and naturalistic plantings.
Applications in the Garden
Ideal for cottage gardens and naturalistic plantings where soft blue tones complement bolder colors
Excellent in cut flower arrangements due to its papery, long-lasting blooms
Works well in sunny borders and along pathways
Adds height and movement without overcrowding neighboring plants
Suitable for drought-tolerant and low-maintenance landscapes
Pairs beautifully with yarrow, lavender, coreopsis, and ornamental grasses
Planting Tips - Cupid's Dart
Plant in full sun for strongest stems and most abundant flowering
Choose well-drained soil; sandy or gravelly textures work especially well
Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow airflow around clumps
Water deeply during establishment, then taper as plants become drought-tolerant
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can cause weak, floppy stems
Cut back spent blooms to extend the flowering period and maintain a neat appearance
Plant Biography and Growing Environment
| Botanical Name: | Catananche Caerulea |
| Variety Name: | Caerulea Amor Blue |
| Height: | 24″ |
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-10 |
| Sun or Shade: | Full sun |
| Plant Classification: | Perennial |
| Planting Season: | Spring |
| Bloom Season: | Summer |
| Bloom Cycle: | Deadhead for continuous rebloom |
| Bloom Duration: | 1-2 months |
| Planting Depth: | 2″-3″ |
| Soil Requirements: | Any well-draining soils |
| Water Requirements: | Low |
Troubleshooting - Coreopsis
Flopping stems: Typically from too much shade or rich soil; improve sun exposure or avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers
Yellowing leaves: Often linked to overwatering; allow soil to dry between waterings
Sparse blooms: Caused by insufficient light; relocate to a sunnier spot
Root rot: Occurs in poorly drained soil; amend with sand or gravel to improve drainage
Weak growth: Overcrowding can limit airflow; thin nearby plants if needed
FAQ - Cupid's Dart
Q: Is Cupid’s Dart toxic to pets or people?
A: Cupid’s Dart is not known to be toxic and is generally safe to grow around pets and people.
Q: How tall does Cupid’s Dart grow?
A: Plants typically reach 18–24 inches tall, with flower stalks extending a bit higher.
Q: Does Cupid’s Dart tolerate drought?
A: Yes, once established it performs very well in dry conditions and thrives in well-drained soil.
Q: Will Cupid’s Dart rebloom if deadheaded?
A: Regular deadheading can encourage additional flowering through summer.