Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart'
perennial cornflower 'Purple Heart'
The mountain coneflower is a hardy herbaceous perennial with purple-eyed flowers surrounded by long white florets, from late spring into summer. It is mound forming and rhizomatous, has lance-shaped grey-green leaves which are hairy underneath, sometimes toothed or lobed.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Tolerates most soil types, best grown in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade or sun.
Propagation
Division in spring. Also grow from seed or root cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Deadheading of faded flowers to prolong flowering season. Cutting back foliage after flowering may encourage second flush of flowers.
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Powdery Mildew
Get involved
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