Overview
Centaurea montana is a clump forming perennial herbaceous in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Centaurea montana grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Germany, Yugoslavia and Poland.
About
Centaurea montana, the perennial cornflower, mountain cornflower, bachelor's button, montane knapweed or mountain bluet, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, endemic to Europe. It is widespread and common in the more southerly mountain ranges of Europe, but is rarer in the north.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Centaurea montana
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, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Centaurea montana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Belgium, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Germany, Yugoslavia, Poland
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centaurea montana
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; tolerates a range of soil types and pH; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed sown in-situ in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Centaurea montana?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; tolerates a range of soil types and pH; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea montana?
Centaurea montana prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Centaurea montana need?
Centaurea montana grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Centaurea montana?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
How big does Centaurea montana grow?
Centaurea montana reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Centaurea montana hardy in the UK?
Centaurea montana has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Centaurea montana?
Seed sown in-situ in spring or autumn.
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
