Catananche Caerulea Alba

Flowering period can be from early Summer right through to Autumn

After approximately three years, once herbaceous perennial varieties have become established clumps they should be divided in order to retain vigour. Many herbaceous plants can be divided in autumn, but spring may be the safer option just as they are starting into growth. Autumn division may result in the loss of smaller divisions if a cold, wet winter follows. The simplest method is to carefully dig around the clump and gently pull it apart into fist sized pieces and re-plant immediately. The middle of the original clump should be discarded as this will have lost vigour and become woody.

Plant in late mid to Spring in a sunny position in free-draining soil. The single flowers of this somewhat upright plant are not particularly showy, and look best if several plants are planted close together, and look good if planted with silver-foliage plants

Sow seeds in a pot or tray filled with proprietary seed-sowing compost, or a 50/50 mix of multi-purpose compost and perlite or coarse grit. Sow large seeds with space between the seeds, and sow small seeds thinly, and cover the seeds with a thin layer of sieved compost (unless it is a type of seed that needs light to germinate). Water gently with a fine rose on the watering-can, allowing excess water to drain away.