Overview
Centaurea dealbata is a clump-forming, spreading perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with green, sometimes silvery-green foliage. Centaurea dealbata grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens, bedding and naturalizing. It is native to Italy.
About
Psephellus dealbatus, the Persian cornflower or whitewash cornflower, is a species of Psephellus native to the Caucasus Mountains and Turkey. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental perennial.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Psephellus dealbatus
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
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Centaurea dealbata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, spreading
- Foliage
- Green, sometimes silvery-green
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, bedding, naturalizing
- Native to
- Italy
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centaurea dealbata
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to common pests
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to common diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Centaurea dealbata?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea dealbata?
Centaurea dealbata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Centaurea dealbata need?
Centaurea dealbata grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Centaurea dealbata?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Centaurea dealbata hardy in the UK?
Centaurea dealbata 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 dealbata?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
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