Quick Guide: summer, hardy, sun, height: 45cm/18in, width: 38cm/15in

Catananche caerulea or cupid's dart bears blue cornflower-like flowers throughout the summer. It is a good plant for the border or for cut flowers, and can he dried very successfully for winter decoration.

GROWING Set out young plants from early autumn to late spring in light, well-drained soil. On exposed sites it may be advisable to support the plants with pea-sticks. Cut down the dead stems in autumn.

PROPAGATION Catananches are short-lived perennials. Take root cuttings in the spring of their third or fourth year to be sure of continuing stock. Insert 7.5cm/3in cuttings in seed compost in a cold frame and transplant to a nursery bed when the leaves are well formed. Transfer to the permanent position in the autumn or following spring.

VARIETIES `Major' (above), large, lavender-blue flowers; 'Perry's White'; `Bicolor', white with blue eves.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Generally trouble-free.