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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Centaurea atropurpurea
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

very dark purple knapweed

A clump-forming perennial to 1m with deeply divided, grey-green leaves. The deep red flowers emerge from bronze-coloured, scaly buds on strong stems in summer

Synonyms
Centaurea atropurpurea
Centaurea benoistii misapplied
see moreCheirolophus benoistii misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer Bronze Red Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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
C Balk., Romania

How to grow

Cultivation

Any well-drained soil in full sun; good drought resistance. A fairly dry, poor soil is best as plants can be invasive if soil is rich and moist

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews

Get involved

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