Overview
Centaurea scabiosa is a spreading branched perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.9 m tall. Centaurea scabiosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and ground cover. It is native to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Altay.
About
Centaurea scabiosa, or greater knapweed, is a perennial plant of the genus Centaurea. It is native to Europe and bears purple flower heads.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Centaurea scabiosa
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
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Centaurea scabiosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.9 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover
- Native to
- Bosnia-Herzegovina, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Altay
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centaurea scabiosa
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Centaurea scabiosa?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea scabiosa?
Centaurea scabiosa prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Centaurea scabiosa need?
Centaurea scabiosa grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Centaurea scabiosa?
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
How big does Centaurea scabiosa grow?
Centaurea scabiosa reaches a height of 0.9 m.
Is Centaurea scabiosa hardy in the UK?
Centaurea scabiosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Centaurea scabiosa?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring or autumn.
More in the Centaurea genus
- Centaurea 'John Coutts'
- Centaurea cyanus 'Mauve Ball'Cornflower
- Centaurea hypoleucaCornflower
- Centaurea hypoleuca 'John Coutts'Cornflower
- Centaurea montana 'Parham'Perennial Cornflower
- Centaurea rhaponticumCornflower
- Centaurea ruthenica
- Centaurea salonitanaCornflower
