About

Centaurea montana 'Joyce' is a perennial that develops into a compact clump. Its foliage consists of simple or lobed leaves, which have a hairy texture on the underside. From late spring through summer, it produces flower heads measuring 5 cm in diameter, featuring light purple-pink petals that deepen in color towards the center.

About the genus

Centaurea includes annuals, perennials, and subshrubs, characterized by simple or pinnately lobed foliage and prominent flower heads resembling thistles, frequently featuring enlarged outer florets.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Best grown in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; may need staking
Pruning
Deadhead regularly, and cut back after first flush, to prolong flowering
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews