Centaurea pullata
A low-growing annual, up to around 30cm high in flower, with lobed green leaves covered with fine white hairs. Flowers in late spring and summer, producing buds encased in overlapping green bracts, which open to showy purple flowers, with a ring of larger outer florets surrounding crowds of tiny flowers in the centre
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Centaurea may be annuals, perennials or subshrubs, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and showy thistle-like flowers-heads, often with enlarged outer florets
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in almost any well-drained soil in full sun. Thrives in poor soils but will not tolerate waterlogging
Propagation
Propagate by seed (sown outdoors) in early spring. Sow successionally rather than all at once for a longer show of flowers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and rust diseases
Get involved
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