Centaurea atropurpurea 'Alba' (Cornflower) — perennial

Overview

Centaurea atropurpurea 'Alba' is a perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family. Centaurea atropurpurea 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. It is native to Greece.

About

Centaurea atropurpurea 'Alba' is a perennial Centaurea that flowers through the summer, producing blooms from June to September. It comes from the Asteraceae family and is native to Greece. The plant prefers a sunny position in well-drained soil with only moderate soil moisture. Sit it where prolonged summer flowering will be visible, such as a front border or gravel bed.

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

In the garden

Centaurea atropurpurea 'Alba' belongs to the Asteraceae and originates from Greece. As a perennial in the Centaurea genus it reliably produces a season of summer flowers, with the main display running from June to September, reflecting its Mediterranean background. Plant in full sun on well-drained soil; a free-draining, moderately moist mix suits it best and it dislikes waterlogged ground. Position it in a sunny aspect where soil dries between waterings. Routine maintenance is limited to removing spent stems and avoiding heavy, compacted soils that retain moisture. In a UK garden it suits sunny herbaceous borders, gravel gardens and Mediterranean-style plantings where summer colour is required. Pair with other sun-loving perennials on free-draining soil to reflect the species' native conditions. For best effect, place it where its extended flowering period from June to September can be appreciated and where winter wet is minimal, since prolonged waterlogging will stress the plant.