Photo: Sibthorp & Smith (1806-1840), Plantes des Cyclades illustrées dans la merveilleuse Flora Græca,Public domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Catananche graeca Plant Care
Hymenonema graecum (L.) DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hymenonema graecum is a perennial herbaceous plant of 20–70 cm, that rests with its buds at or just under the surface of the soil (a so-called hemicryptophyte). The Greek vernacular name is Αδραλίδα (Adralida), meaning "handsome Lida". The leaves are pinnate, and may be up to 1 cm wide. The ligulate flowers are yellow. The species is an endemic of Greece.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Catananche graeca?
Water Catananche graeca every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Catananche graeca?
Catananche graeca (Hymenonema graecum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Hymenonema genus. Catananche graeca is also known as Hymenonema asperum, Hymenonema bergeri, Hymenonema fontanesii.
Catananche graeca displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Catananche graeca produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Catananche graeca?
Hymenonema graecum requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Catananche graeca Need?
Catananche graeca thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Catananche graeca Prefer?
Hymenonema graecum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Catananche graeca prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Catananche graeca?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Catananche graeca to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Catananche graeca?
Feed Catananche graeca every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Catananche graeca?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Catananche graeca?
Catananche graeca can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to catananche graeca plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Catananche graeca Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Catananche graeca, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Catananche graeca?
Catananche graeca is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Catananche graeca Need?
Catananche graeca grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Catananche graeca as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Catananche graeca is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hymenonema genus — compare its care with other Hymenonema species on PlantoScan.
Hymenonema is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Catananche graeca thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hymenonema graecum (L.) DC., family Asteraceae (first published in Prodr. 7(1): 116 (1838)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Catananche graeca, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sibthorp & Smith (1806-1840), Plantes des Cyclades illustrées dans la merveilleuse Flora Græca,, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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