Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart'
perennial cornflower 'Purple Heart'
A hardy, rhizomatous mound-forming herbaceous perennial with lance-shaped grey-green leaves, hairy underneath and sometimes toothed or lobed. White flowers with a purple eye appear from late spring into summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
Tolerates most soil types, best grown in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade or sun.
Propagation
Division in spring. Also grow from seed or root cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Deadheading of faded flowers to prolong flowering season. Cutting back foliage after flowering may encourage second flush of flowers.
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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