Centaurea orientalis

<em>Centaurea</em> <em>orientalis</em> visionspictures.com
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial, to 1.2m high in flower, with long green leaves, finely cut or completely divided into narrow, lance-shaped leaflets. In summer and early autumn, produces large buds encased in overlapping, pale brown bracts, opening to bright yellow flower heads composed of crowds of narrow petals with prominent stamens

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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
Clump forming
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
SE Eur. to W Asia

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 or by division, separating rhizomes in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead to encourage more flowers, unless seed is required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and rust diseases