Amberboa moschata
sweet sultan
A branching annual to around 60cm high, with grey-green leaves that are toothed at the base of the plant and pinnately divided on the stems. Sweetly scented, thistle-like flowers in shades of yellow, pink, purple and white are produced on upright stems from late spring to summer
Other common names
sultan flowerSynonyms
Centaurea moschataCentaurea imperialis hort.
see moreCentaurea margaritae hort.
Centaurea suaveolens
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Pink Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Pink Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Amberboa are upright annuals or biennials with grey-green leaves and solitary flowers with a thistle-like centre of disc florets and outer rings of long, soft, fringed ray florets
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in well-drained, neutral or alkaline soil in full sun. May require light staking
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Plants resent root disturbance, so sow in situ in spring, or grow young plants under glass over winter and plant out in potfuls in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.