Overview
Centaurea crassifolia is a clump forming, spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Centaurea crassifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5, H7. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and ground cover.
About
Cheirolophus crassifolius, the Maltese centaury, Maltese rock-centaury or Widnet il-Baħar, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is endemic to Malta. Its natural habitats are cliffs and coastal valleys. It is threatened by habitat loss. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and ground cover. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cheirolophus crassifolius
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Centaurea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5, H7
Plant details
Centaurea crassifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centaurea crassifolia
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea crassifolia?
Centaurea crassifolia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Centaurea crassifolia need?
Centaurea crassifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
Is Centaurea crassifolia hardy in the UK?
Centaurea crassifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Centaurea crassifolia?
Seed, Division.
More in the Centaurea genus
- Centaurea cyanus 'Mauve Ball'Cornflower
- Centaurea cyanus 'Snowman'cornflower 'Snowman'
- Centaurea dealbata
- Centaurea glastifoliawoad-leaved centaurea
- Centaurea jaceabrown knapweed
- Centaurea macrocephala
- Centaurea maculosa
- Centaurea montana
