Catananche caerulea

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Catananche caerulea

Family: (Asteraceae)

(P) to 18″.  Cupid’s Dart.  Mediterranean.  Clumps of short, grey-green, grass-like foliage put up multiple branching, wiry stalks topped with lavender-blue, cornflower-like blooms.  The dark markings at the base of each notched, ray floret create a central dark-eye.  The flowerhead is subtended by an involucre of multiple papery, scale-like bracts.  Starting in early summer, these long-lasting blooms make worthy cut flowers.  Sun.  Well-drained soil.  3 & T2