About
A vigorous herbaceous perennial, up to 1.5m high, with lance-shaped green leaves. Leaves and stems covered with fine white felting. Flowers in summer, producing buds encased in overlapping, light brown bracts edged with long white hairs, which open to ornamental mauve pink or lilac flowers, with a ring of long, narrow outer florets surrounding masses of tiny flowers in the centre.
About the genus
Centaurea may be annuals, perennials or subshrubs, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and showy thistle-like flowers-heads, often with enlarged outer florets
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope to Siberia & Caucasus
Care notes
CultivationGrow in almost any well-drained soil in full sun. Thrives in poor soils but will not tolerate waterlogging
PruningDeadhead to encourage more flowers, unless seed is required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division, separating rhizomes in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and rust diseases