Overview
Centaurea macrocephala is a clump-forming, spreading perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with green, sometimes silvery-green foliage. Centaurea macrocephala grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Iran, Transcaucasus and Türkiye.
About
Centaurea macrocephala is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, and a member of the thistle tribe, Cardueae (Cynareae). It has many common names, including bighead knapweed, big yellow centaurea, lemon fluff, yellow bachelor's button, yellow hardhat, and Armenian basketflower.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Centaurea macrocephala
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 macrocephala size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, spreading
- Foliage
- Green, sometimes silvery-green
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, cut flowers
- Native to
- Iran, Transcaucasus, Türkiye
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centaurea macrocephala
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained loam soil with neutral pH. Requires sheltered, south-facing aspect. Suitable for borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens. Propagate by seed or division.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; 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 macrocephala?
Prefers full sun and well-drained loam soil with neutral pH. Requires sheltered, south-facing aspect. Suitable for borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens. Propagate by seed or division.
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea macrocephala?
Centaurea macrocephala prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Centaurea macrocephala need?
Centaurea macrocephala grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Centaurea macrocephala?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Centaurea macrocephala hardy in the UK?
Centaurea macrocephala 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 macrocephala?
Seed, division.
More in the Centaurea genus
- Centaurea 'John Coutts'
- Centaurea cyanus 'Mauve Ball'Cornflower
- Centaurea hypoleucaCornflower
- Centaurea hypoleuca 'John Coutts'Cornflower
- Centaurea montana 'Parham'Perennial Cornflower
- Centaurea rhaponticumCornflower
- Centaurea ruthenica
- Centaurea salonitanaCornflower
