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Herbaceous Perennial

Centaurea montana
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

perennial cornflower

A rhizomatous, mat-forming perennial about 45cm tall, with simple or lobed leaves, hairy beneath, and blue flower-heads 5cm across, reddish in the centre, from late spring to summer

Other common names
great blue-bottle
mountain bluet
see moremountain centaury
Synonyms
Cyanus montanus
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Red Green
Summer Blue Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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
Mountains of Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, needs staking

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
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews

Get involved

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