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Catherine's Wheel
Seed Packet

Catherine's Wheel

Michauxia campanuloidesa
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
$5.00
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Growing Companions
Bellflower 'Telham Beauty'
Bellflower 'Telham Beauty'
Maltese Cross
Maltese Cross
Ageratum 'Blue Mink'
Ageratum 'Blue Mink'
Ammi
Ammi
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
80
Lifecycle
Biennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
6,
7,
8,
9,
10
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.