Details
Centaurea montana is a rhizomatous perennial with simple or lobed leaves, hairy beneath, and blue flower-heads 5cm across, reddish in the centre, from late spring to summer
 
Hardiness
H7 - Hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
 
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Shade
 
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, East-facing or West-facing
 
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
 
Moisture
Moist but well-drained
 
Soil
Loam, Chalk, Sand, Clay
 
pH 
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
 
Size
Ultimate height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Ultimate spread: 0.5-1 metres
Time to ultimate height: 2-5 years
 
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
Flower borders and beds Cut Flowers Cottage & Informal Garden Wildlife Gardens Prairie Planting Coastal
 
How to care
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
 
Pests
Generally pest free
 
Diseases
May be affected by powdery mildews