Overview
Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon' is a clump forming, spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Centaurea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5, H7. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and ground cover.
About
Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon' is a clump-forming, spreading branched cultivar of the Centaurea genus, which includes annuals, perennials, and subshrubs known for their simple or pinnately lobed foliage and thistle-like flower heads. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy in UK zones H5 to H7, it is ideal for coastal, cottage, and wildlife gardens, as well as for cut flowers and ground cover. It provides interest during summer and autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Centaurea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5, H7
Plant details
Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews, rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon'?
Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon' need?
Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon' hardy in the UK?
Centaurea 'Totnes Fat Lemon' 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 'Totnes Fat Lemon'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Centaurea genus
- Centaurea atropurpurea
- Centaurea crassifolia
- Centaurea cyanus 'Mauve Ball'Cornflower
- Centaurea cyanus 'Snowman'cornflower 'Snowman'
- Centaurea dealbata
- Centaurea glastifoliawoad-leaved centaurea
- Centaurea jaceabrown knapweed
- Centaurea macrocephala
