Overview
Centaurea jacea is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Centaurea jacea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators, drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe to Siberia & Caucasus.
About
Centaurea jacea is a robust herbaceous perennial that can reach heights of 1.5 meters. The plant features lanceolate green leaves, and both the leaves and stems are adorned with a fine white down. During the summer months, it produces flower buds that are enveloped in layered, light brown bracts, which are fringed with elongated white hairs. When in bloom, the plant displays vibrant mauve pink or lilac flowers, characterized by a circle of slender outer florets encircling clusters of smaller central flowers.
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
Best soil and position for Centaurea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Centaurea jacea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe to Siberia & Caucasus
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centaurea jacea
- Cultivation
- Grow in almost any well-drained soil in full sun. Thrives in poor soils but will not tolerate waterlogging
- Pruning
- Deadhead to encourage more flowers, unless seed is required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division, separating rhizomes in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Centaurea jacea?
Grow in almost any well-drained soil in full sun. Thrives in poor soils but will not tolerate waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea jacea?
Centaurea jacea prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Centaurea jacea need?
Centaurea jacea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Centaurea jacea?
Deadhead to encourage more flowers, unless seed is required.
How big does Centaurea jacea grow?
Centaurea jacea reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Centaurea jacea hardy in the UK?
Centaurea jacea has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Centaurea jacea?
Propagate by seed or by division, separating rhizomes in autumn.
Is Centaurea jacea good for pollinators?
Yes — Centaurea jacea attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.