About
Centaurea cyanus is an annual plant that reaches heights of up to 75 cm. It features lance-shaped leaves that are slightly lobed and mid-green in color. During late spring and summer, it produces solitary flowerheads measuring 3 to 4 cm in diameter, displaying a deep blue hue with violet-blue inner florets.
About the genus
Centaurea includes annuals, perennials, and subshrubs, characterized by simple or pinnately lobed foliage and prominent flower heads resembling thistles, frequently featuring enlarged outer florets.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- N Temperate regions
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in full sun
- Pruning
- Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in-situ in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews