Centaurea bella

Synonyms

Centaurea bella

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial, to 30cm high in flower, with pinnate, grey-green leaves divided into oval leaflets, and white woolly felting on the stems and the undersides of leaves. In summer, it produces pale lilac pink, starry flowers on upright stems, with a ring of deeply toothed outer florets surrounding a centre of tiny paler flowers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
A genus of clump-forming, often woody herbaceous perennials with grey-green dissected leaves and showy pink, purple or white flowers
Name Status
Synonym
Plant Range
Caucasus

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun, thrives in poor soils and will not tolerate waterlogging

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division, separating rhizomes in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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