Centaurea pulcherrima

RHS Plant Profile
beautiful knapweed

Other common names

pink bachelor's button

Synonyms

Aetheopappus pulcherrimus

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

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

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