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Herbaceous Perennial

Centaurea dealbata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

mealy centaury

A clump-forming perennial to 1m tall with narrowly oval, lobed leaves with whitish hairs underneath. In summer, lilac-pink flowers are carried on upright flower stems and comprise a ring of deeply-fringed outer petals surrounding a centre of paler inner petals

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Caucasus

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in moist but well-drained, nutrient-poor soil in full sun. May need staking

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, and cut back in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Powdery Milldew may be a problem

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