Centaurea dealbata 'Steenbergii'
mealy centaury 'Steenbergii'
A clump-forming perennial to 1m tall with narrowly oval, lobed pale green leaves with whitish-grey hairs underneath. In summer, flowerheads on upright flower stems comprise a ring of dark carmine-pink, deeply-fringed outer petals surrounding a centre of white-tinged inner petals
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Any well-drained soil in full sun; good drought resistance. A fairly dry, poor soil is best as plants can be invasive if soil is rich and moist.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be affected by powdery mildews
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