Overview
Centaurea cyanus 'Snowman' is a clump forming, spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Centaurea cyanus 'Snowman' grows best in full sun and partial shade, 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
Centaurea cyanus, commonly known as cornflower or bachelor's button, is an annual flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to Europe. In the past, it often grew as a weed in cornfields, hence its name.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Centaurea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5, H7
Plant details
Centaurea cyanus 'Snowman' 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 cyanus 'Snowman'
- 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 cyanus 'Snowman'?
Centaurea cyanus 'Snowman' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Centaurea cyanus 'Snowman' need?
Centaurea cyanus 'Snowman' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Centaurea cyanus 'Snowman' hardy in the UK?
Centaurea cyanus 'Snowman' 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 cyanus 'Snowman'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Centaurea genus
- Centaurea crassifolia
- Centaurea cyanus 'Mauve Ball'Cornflower
- Centaurea dealbata
- Centaurea glastifoliawoad-leaved centaurea
- Centaurea jaceabrown knapweed
- Centaurea macrocephala
- Centaurea maculosa
- Centaurea montana
