Overview
Centaurea montana 'Parham' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Centaurea montana 'Parham' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Centaurea montana 'Parham' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae, notable for its blue–purple flower heads. It has deciduous leaves and forms clearly defined clumps. Flowering runs from June to September and it favours a sunny, well-drained site.
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 'Parham' sits in the genus Centaurea within the Asteraceae and is a clump-forming, deciduous perennial. The cultivar flowers through the summer from June to September and is valued for its blue–purple blooms. Plant in full sun on soils that drain freely: chalk, loam or sand are all acceptable, and the species tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Choose a south- or west-facing position where drainage is reliable; the plant will cope in both exposed and sheltered sites. It carries an H5 rating, meaning it is hardy in typical UK garden conditions. Use Centaurea montana 'Parham' where a summer-flowering perennial is wanted: it suits wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows, cottage and informal planting, and flower borders and beds. Position it with other sun-loving perennials that prefer well-drained soil so it sits comfortably within a mixed herbaceous scheme. Expect a steady display of blue–purple flower heads from June to September on Centaurea montana 'Parham'.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Centaurea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Centaurea montana 'Parham' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centaurea montana 'Parham'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea montana 'Parham'?
Centaurea montana 'Parham' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Centaurea montana 'Parham' need?
Centaurea montana 'Parham' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Centaurea montana 'Parham' hardy in the UK?
Centaurea montana 'Parham' 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 montana 'Parham'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Centaurea genus
- Centaurea 'John Coutts'
- Centaurea cyanus 'Mauve Ball'Cornflower
- Centaurea hypoleucaCornflower
- Centaurea hypoleuca 'John Coutts'Cornflower
- Centaurea rhaponticumCornflower
- Centaurea ruthenica
- Centaurea salonitanaCornflower
- Centaurea simplicicaulisCornflower
