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BeddingHerbaceous Perennial

Centaurea cineraria subsp. cineraria
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

dusty miller

A sprawling, evergreen perennial with silvery, blue-green foliage, woolly on both sides. It produces purple flowers in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer Purple Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
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
Italy

How to grow

Cultivation

Needs very well-drained soil in full sun. May survive outdoors in mild areas, otherwise overwinter in a cool greenhouse

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or divide in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Tidy up after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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