Overview
Centaurea atropurpurea is a spreading branched perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Centaurea atropurpurea grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and ground cover. It is native to Greece.
About
Centaurea atropurpurea is a spreading branched cultivar of the genus Centaurea, belonging to the Asteraceae family. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and is suited to south-facing, exposed locations. It prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils, tolerating a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, flower borders, beds, and as ground cover. Propagation is achieved by seed sown in pots in a cold frame during spring or by division in spring or autumn.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Centaurea atropurpurea
About the genus
Centaurea is a genus of over 700 species of herbaceous thistle-like flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Members of the genus are found only north of the equator, mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere; the Middle East and surrounding regions are particularly species-rich.
Wikipedia contributors, "Centaurea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Centaurea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Centaurea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Centaurea atropurpurea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover
- Native to
- Greece
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centaurea atropurpurea
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea atropurpurea?
Centaurea atropurpurea prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Centaurea atropurpurea need?
Centaurea atropurpurea grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Centaurea atropurpurea hardy in the UK?
Centaurea atropurpurea has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Centaurea atropurpurea?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring or autumn.
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More in the Centaurea genus
- Centaurea 'John Coutts'
- Centaurea atropurpurea 'Alba'Cornflower
- Centaurea cyanus 'Mauve Ball'Cornflower
- Centaurea dealbata steenbergiimealy centaury 'Steenbergii'
- Centaurea hypoleucaCornflower
- Centaurea hypoleuca 'John Coutts'Cornflower
- Centaurea montana 'Alba'white perennial cornflower
- Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety'Cornflower