Overview
Centaurea montana 'Alba' is a perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Centaurea montana 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Belgium, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Germany, Yugoslavia and Poland.
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 montana 'Alba' is a perennial cornflower native to central and parts of southern Europe, recorded from Belgium, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Germany, Yugoslavia and Poland. As a member of the Asteraceae it forms single-season stems reaching around 0.5 m, bearing white flowerheads from June to September. Position the plant in full sun where the soil drains freely; it accepts a wide range of textures from sandy to clay, provided the root zone does not sit waterlogged. Keep soil moist but well drained during establishment. Centaurea montana 'Alba' is rated H7 for the UK, meaning it is fully hardy; the equivalent USDA range is zones 3–9. In a UK garden it is best sited where summer flowering is wanted at around mid-border height so the white heads sit above surrounding foliage. Allowing plants room to form small clumps helps the display of white flowerheads from June to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Centaurea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Centaurea montana 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Native to
- Belgium, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Germany, Yugoslavia, Poland
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea montana 'Alba'?
Centaurea montana 'Alba' prefers full sun.
What soil does Centaurea montana 'Alba' need?
Centaurea montana 'Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Centaurea montana 'Alba' grow?
Centaurea montana 'Alba' reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Centaurea montana 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Centaurea montana 'Alba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Centaurea genus
- Centaurea 'John Coutts'
- Centaurea atropurpurea 'Alba'Cornflower
- Centaurea cyanus 'Mauve Ball'Cornflower
- Centaurea dealbata steenbergiimealy centaury 'Steenbergii'
- Centaurea hypoleucaCornflower
- Centaurea hypoleuca 'John Coutts'Cornflower
- Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety'Cornflower
- Centaurea montana 'Parham'Perennial Cornflower
