Leaves: Bipinnate, bluish-green leaves with lobed leaflets
Flowers: Nodding, spurred flowers that come in a variety of colors including blue, purple, pink, white, and yellow. The flowers have five petal-like sepals and five petals with backward-projecting spurs.
Blooming Season: Late spring to early summer
Fruit: Follicle containing numerous seeds
Known Range:
Native Range: Europe, particularly central and southern regions
Introduced Range: Widely naturalized in North America and other parts of the world
Care Requirements:
Soil: Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil; tolerates a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade but can also grow in full sun, especially in cooler climates
Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 3-9; tolerates cold winters and hot summers if adequately watered
Fertilization: Benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and to prevent self-seeding; cut back foliage to the ground in late fall
Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to leaf miners, aphids, and powdery mildew; good air circulation and proper spacing can help prevent fungal diseases
Propagation: Can be propagated from seed, division, or cuttings; seeds should be sown in the autumn or spring for best germination
Many of the flowering plants featured on our website are available through Nature Hills Nursery. Ordering them through this link will support the Cernunnos Foundation and your garden!