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Centaurea dealbata

mealy centaury

A clump-forming perennial to 1m tall with narrowly oval, lobed leaves with whitish hairs underneath. In summer, lilac-pink flowers are carried on upright flower stems and comprise a ring of deeply-fringed outer petals surrounding a centre of paler inner petals

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Size
Growing conditions
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Position
Aspect

Exposure
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
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

Plant range
Caucasus

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in moist but well-drained, nutrient-poor soil in full sun. May need staking

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, and cut back in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Powdery Milldew may be a problem

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