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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 GB / Ireland
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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