Centaurea dealbata

RHS Plant Profile
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

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 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
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

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, and cut back in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Powdery Milldew may be a problem