Centaurea montana 'Carnea' (perennial cornflower 'Carnea') — Clump forming, Spreading branched

Overview

Centaurea montana 'Carnea' is a clump forming, spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Centaurea montana 'Carnea' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Germany, Yugoslavia and Poland.

About

Centaurea montana 'Carnea' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Centaurea genus, commonly known as perennial cornflower 'Carnea'. It forms clumps with a spreading branched habit, growing to between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in height and spread over 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects in both exposed and sheltered locations. It prefers moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Its season of interest spans spring and summer.

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, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Centaurea montana 'Carnea' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming, Spreading branched
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, 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 'Carnea'

Propagation: Seed sown in-situ in spring or autumn, Division in spring or autumn
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Centaurea montana 'Carnea'?

Centaurea montana 'Carnea' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Centaurea montana 'Carnea' need?

Centaurea montana 'Carnea' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.