Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart'

Centaurea montana is a variable but attractive plant native to the mountain meadows and woodlands of continental Europe. It typically has grey-green, lance-shaped leaves and large, deep blue or violet flowers, borne in early summer. It grows best in a moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade. The flowers are attractive to pollinators.

Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart' is a striking variety with white, spidery flowerheads with a violet-purple centre. It's more tolerant of dry soils than other varieties, and may be grown in sunny borders and gravel gardens. Like other cultivars, 'Purple Heart' is easy-to-grow, bearing clumps of mid-green leaves that perfectly complement summer flowers.

For best results grow 'Purple Heart' in a sunny border in moist soil, and remove faded summer flowers to encourage a second flush in autumn.