Centaurea cyanoides

<em>Centaurea</em> <em>cyanoides</em> John Fielding
Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

A Mediterranean annual to about 30cm high, with narrow, lance-shaped grey-green leaves. Flowers in spring and early summer, producing buds encased in overlapping bracts with hairy edges, which open to small flowers 2-3cm across, with a ring of showy, vivid blue outer florets surrounding tiny pale purple flowers in the centre

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
1 year
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
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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

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 seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • 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