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Herbaceous Perennial

Centaurea 'Caramia'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

knapweed 'Caramia'

An herbaceous perennial to 60cm high, with broadly lance-shaped green leaves. Showy purple-pink flowers open from large, dark, bristly buds, over a long period from early summer into early autumn

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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 Green
Summer Pink Purple Green
Autumn Pink Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Accepted

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 division, separating rhizomes in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to encourage more flowers

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and rust diseases

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