Centaurea dealbata
mealy centaury
A clump-forming perennial to 1m tall with narrowly oval, lobed leaves with whitish hairs underneath. In summer, lilac-pink flowers are carried on upright flower stems and comprise a ring of deeply-fringed outer petals surrounding a centre of paler inner petals
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in moist but well-drained, nutrient-poor soil in full sun. May need staking
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, and cut back in autumn
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Powdery Milldew may be a problem
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