Centaurea pulcherrima
beautiful knapweed
A compact, herbaceous perennial to 25cm high, with feathery grey-green leaves. Sturdy stems of showy, soft-pink flowers open from large, dark, bristly buds, over a long period from early summer into early autumn. Ideal for an alpine rock garden or container
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Size
Growing conditions
Colour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
Aspect
Exposure
Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- 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
- Turkey, Caucasus
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
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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