About
This spreading herbaceous perennial to 60cm tall with grey-green foliage. From late spring to early summer, deep purple-red, thistle-like flowers with linear, fringed petals are held on upright stems.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in a moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering, and cut back in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews