Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
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.
It bears purple spidery flowerheads with a violet-purple centre. It's perfect for growing in sunny borders and gravel gardens. It's easy-to-grow, bearing clumps of mid-green leaves that perfectly complement its summer flowers.
For best results grow Centaurea montana in a sunny border in moist soil, and remove faded summer flowers to encourage a second flush in autumn.
Advertisement
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
Divide
yes
yes
Centaurea and wildlife
Centaurea is known for attracting bees, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
