Centaurea montana 'Blue' |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Bachelor's Button-Perennial
Common Name (Alternative): Mountain Bluet |
The cornflower-blue, fringed blossoms of this perennial attract butterflies like magnets in the garden. Centaurea blooms from early to midsummer and usually blooms again in the fall if plants are cut back hard after the first flush. The flowers are old-fashioned favorites in cut flower bouquets.
This species is a low, spreading one and it will self-seed prolifically if it is not deadheaded. However, it looks best when planted en mass where the blue flower display has the most visual impact.
Characteristics:
Height:
24 Inches
Spread:
24-36 Inches
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Low water needs
Average water needs
Want to see wings?:
Attracts butterflies
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Early summer
Midsummer
Mid-fall
How's your soil?:
Poor Soil
Average Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Cottage
Eclectic
This perennial is simple to grow and maintain. It needs full sun and thrives in well-drained, limey soils. Centaurea montana 'Blue' is native to dry sites, making it somewhat drought tolerant. Avoid soil that is soggy in winter, which will almost certainly kill it. If planted in too much shade Centaurea will become leggy and floppy. Growing it in full sun and cutting it back hard after flowering should eliminate the need to stake it.
To prevent overcrowding, division should be performed every 2-4 years in the spring.