About

Centaurea pulcherrima is a low-growing perennial, reaching heights of up to 25cm. It features delicate, feathery leaves in a grey-green hue. From robust, bristly buds, it produces soft-pink blooms that emerge in succession, lasting from early summer through early autumn. This plant is well-suited for alpine rock gardens or container displays.

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.

Plant details

Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Native to
Turkey, Caucasus

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in almost any well-drained soil in full sun. Thrives in poor soils but will not tolerate waterlogging
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage more flowers
Propagation
Propagate by division, separating rhizomes in autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and rust diseases