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Herbaceous Perennial

Centaurea 'Silver Feather'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A herbaceous perennial with a dense silvery down on leaves and stems, forming a bushy clump of finely divided leaves 30-40cm high. Flowers from early to late summer, with slender stems high above the foliage bearing buds encased in overlapping bracts, which open to showy, thistle-like, pale lilac-pink flowers

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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 Pink Purple Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in almost any well-drained soil in full sun. May be deciduous in cooler regions. Protect from excess winter wet and hard frosts

Propagation

Propagate by division, separating rhizomes in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to encourage more flowers

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and rust diseases

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