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Herbaceous Perennial
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Get involved
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