Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' (Cornflower) — Perennial

Overview

Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' is a perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and wildflower gardens. 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 'Parham Variety' is a perennial member of the Asteraceae native to parts of central and eastern Europe, including Belgium, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Germany, Yugoslavia and Poland. Plants reach roughly 0.5 m and carry conspicuous blue‑purple blooms across the summer months from June to September. Plant this variety in a sunny position with full sun exposure. It tolerates a range of soil types — sandy, loamy or even clay — provided the soil drains reasonably well; it will also tolerate consistently moist but well‑drained conditions. The variety is fully hardy (H7) in UK gardens, so it can remain in the border through winter without the need for protection. Use Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' in herbaceous borders where its summer flowers can sit above lower perennials, in gravel or rock gardens that offer a sunny, well‑drained pocket, or within wildflower areas for summer nectar. Plants remain around 0.5 m high, so allow room for flowering stems to show. Expect a succession of blue‑purple blooms from June to September on plants about 0.5 m tall.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Centaurea

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect: Sunny
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Rock gardens, Wildflower gardens
Native to: Belgium, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Germany, Yugoslavia, Poland

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety'?

Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.

Where is the best place to plant Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety'?

Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' need?

Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' 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 do I prune Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety'?

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

How big does Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' grow?

Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' reaches a height of 0.5 m.

Is Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' hardy in the UK?

Centaurea montana 'Parham Variety' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.