Seed Packet

Catherine's Wheel

Name: Catherine's Wheel
Brand: Select Seeds, Co.
SKU: S1813
Price: 5.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Michauxia campanuloides

Patron saint of wheelwrights and spinners, Catherine of Alexandria, lends her name to this dramatic biennial flower. Happy in fertile, well-drained soils, it grows into a pyramid of widely spaced branches dripping with unique white flowers in clusters. The narrow curved petals of this eye-catching flower radiate outward like the spokes of a wheel, exposing prominent green centers. It is excellent as a cut flower and a choice rarity since its introduction to England from the Middle East in 1789.

SKU #S1813

Growing Companions

Bellflower 'Telham Beauty'

Maltese Cross

Ammi

Details

Approximate Seeds Per Packet

Lifecycle

Biennial

Perennial Hardiness Zone

Mature Size

4' h x 1-1.5' w

Sun

Full sun

Soil

Rich, well-drained

Season

Summer

Color

White waxy-textured reflexed petals around prominent green stigmas

Features

Great Cut Flower

Deer Resistant

Heat or Drought Tolerant

SOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Depth:

Just cover

Sprout Time:

14-30 days

Starting Indoors:

Start in pots 10-12 weeks before last spring frost. Keep at 65-70°F. If no germination after 3 weeks, refrigerate for 2 weeks.

Starting Outdoors:

Direct sow into finely prepared bed in spring to bloom the following year.

WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE

In springtime, after all danger of frost has passed.

PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION

A rarity for well-drained soils, rough michauxia is a member of the Campanula or bell-flower family and hails from the Mediterranean area. Grow in a sheltered spot with excellent winter drainage and a gravel mulch for winter. Best in areas with lower humidity, dry days, and cooler nights, we still had a show of flowers during a very wet summer in our zone 6 gardens.

Final Spacing:

1-1.5'

Water Requirements:

Medium Water Use

Watering Details:

Water regularly until established, then water during dry spells.

Soil pH:

Prefers alkaline pH levels. If soil is acidic, mix in some lime, bone meal, or hardwood ash prior to planting.

Fertilizer:

Mix in a few inches of compost prior to planting.

Diseases & Pests:

No major problems.