Overview
Centaurea 'John Coutts' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Centaurea 'John Coutts' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Centaurea 'John Coutts' is a clump-forming member of the Asteraceae that flowers from June to September. It carries deciduous foliage and prefers full sun on freely draining soils such as chalk, loam or sand. The plant tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH and suits both sheltered and exposed sites. Its hardiness rating is H5 (hardy).
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
In the garden
Centaurea 'John Coutts' sits within the Asteraceae as a clump-forming cultivar notable for a sustained summer display from June to September. It retains deciduous foliage and performs where direct sun is available for most of the day. Growers who favour south- or west-facing positions will give it the warmest exposure within a border. Cultivation favours well-drained substrates: chalk, loam or sandy soils are all suitable, and the plant copes with acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Aim for full sun and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; the H5 hardiness rating means it is classed as hardy for general UK conditions. It will tolerate both exposed and sheltered sites, so can be used on exposed banks as well as quieter garden corners. Use Centaurea 'John Coutts' where a summer-long presence is wanted: wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow mixes, cottage and informal plantings, or flower borders and beds. Position it where the clump-forming habit and prolonged flowering can be appreciated through the summer months rather than hidden at the rear of a border.
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
- H5
Plant details
Centaurea 'John Coutts' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centaurea 'John Coutts'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea 'John Coutts'?
Centaurea 'John Coutts' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Centaurea 'John Coutts' need?
Centaurea 'John Coutts' 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.
Is Centaurea 'John Coutts' hardy in the UK?
Centaurea 'John Coutts' 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 'John Coutts'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Centaurea genus
- Centaurea cyanus 'Mauve Ball'Cornflower
- Centaurea hypoleucaCornflower
- Centaurea hypoleuca 'John Coutts'Cornflower
- Centaurea montana 'Parham'Perennial Cornflower
- Centaurea rhaponticumCornflower
- Centaurea ruthenica
- Centaurea salonitanaCornflower
- Centaurea simplicicaulisCornflower
