Centaurea orientalis
A clump-forming perennial, to 1.2m high in flower, with long green leaves, finely cut or completely divided into narrow, lance-shaped leaflets. In summer and early autumn, produces large buds encased in overlapping, pale brown bracts, opening to bright yellow flower heads composed of crowds of narrow flowers with prominent stamens
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- SE Eur. to W Asia
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 or by division, separating rhizomes in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage more flowers, unless seed is required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and rust diseases
Get involved
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