Centaurea scabiosa
Centaury
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Centaury (Centaurea scabiosa) - Description
Centaurea scabiosa or Greater Knapweed is a perennial plant of the genus Centaurea. It is native to Europe and bears purple flower heads. Greater knapweed is found growing in dry grasslands, hedgerows and cliffs on lime-rich soil. Upright branched stems terminate in single thistle-like flowerheads, each having an outer ring of extended, purple-pink 'ragged' bracts which form a crown around the central flowers.
Centaury (Centaurea scabiosa) - Blooming
The few species that are cultivated for horticultural reasons are mostly done so for cut flowers. When sown in April/May, will bloom between June and September. The critical factor in blooming success of cornflowers is lighting: the plant needs about three weeks of long days in order to bloom.
Centaury (Centaurea scabiosa) - Growth
Although there are about 500 species, they all perform best with full sun. All horticultural species are easy to grow. Centaurea attracts bees and butterflies. Grow Centaurea in a border or rock garden. Many species of Centaurea produce flowers that are suitable for cutting.
Centaury (Centaurea scabiosa) - Planting
Can be planted either through seeds or starter plants. When using seeds, sow directly into the ground during spring (April/May). In overall warmer and brighter climates (like California or Florida), seeds may be sown in September to yield blooms in late winter (February).
Centaury (Centaurea scabiosa) - Pest
Potential threats include aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers, and most plant diseases (especially botrytis, fusarium, mildew, rust, sclerotina, and root rot induced by pythium or rhizoctonia).
Centaury (Centaurea scabiosa) - Interesting facts
Herbaceous thistles from the Old World. Excellent source of nectar. In the olden days, some men would place one of cornflower in one of their buttonholes before going courting, hence the nickname "Bachelor's Button". Cornflowers have been popular in North American gardens since Colonial times.
Centaury (Centaurea scabiosa) - Soil and irrigation
Add lime to acidic soils for best plant performance. Centaurea does best in well-draining soil.
