I've found this lovely wildflower very easy to grow from seed, having sowed it twice now during the winter. I have it planted out in my front garden bed along the street.
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| We had rain earlier today, a surprise thunderstorm followed by torrential rain, which is quite unusual for here in July. The rain bent this flower down to the ground. |
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| But plenty of others are still standing tall. |
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| I'm highly enamored of the papery bracts that hold the flower. |
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| They dance and sway in the breeze before the flowers open. |
Here's some cultivation info about Cupid's Dart.
Height: 18-24 inches
Spacing: 12-15 inches
Hardiness: Zone 4-9
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Moisture Requirements: Drought-tolerant
Bloom Time: July-September
It's called Cupid's Dart because supposedly the ancient Greeks used it as an ingredient in love potions. According to what I've read online, it's a short-lived perennial, and makes a better statement when massed, as the flowers are smallish, so I'll probably sow more this winter.
Gail Eichelberger of the blog Clay and Limestone hosts Wildflower Wednesday, which is about sharing and celebrating wildflowers from all over the world. Check out her blog here, and if you have the urge to share about a wildflower that you grow, feel free to post about it and share the link on her site.
