Centaurea
( sen - taw - REE - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of flowering plants includes perennials, annuals, and biennials and need full sun and moderate water. They are commonly called Centaury, Starthistle, Knapweed, or Bluets. These interesting blooms will attract a variety of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden. Annuals are grown for use in cut flower arrangements, and all types are relatively easy to grow and care for.
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Centaurea Species and Varietals
The genus Centaurea is a large genus of over 700 species that is a member of the plant family Asteraceae. Species hybridize readily, so there are many crosses and varietals to choose from in the group. The best growing zones for Centaurea vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Centaurea americana (Basket Flower) This annual grows best in zones 1-24, H1 and H2 and is native to central and southwestern United States and northern Mexico. These plants grow to 5-6 feet tall and 3 feet wide and have rough green leaves. Pale pink flowers bloom in summertime and are four inches wide. Great for fresh or dried arrangements. |
Centaurea cineraria (Centaurea gymnocarpa) (Dusty Miller) This perennial species of Centaurea grows best in zones 8-24, H1 and H2, and is grown as an annual in all other zones. Native to Italy, this plant has a compact growth to 1-3 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Leaves are white and velvety. Flowers are purple, though in some varieties they are white. Plants should be trimmed back after bloom, and are very drought tolerant but can also take regular water. |
Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower, Bachelor's Button) This annual grows best in zones 1-24, H1 and H2, and is native to northern temperate regions. Gets 1-1.5 feet tall and less than one foot wide, with narrow grey-green leaves and spring to midsummer flowers that come in a variety of colors: blue, pink, rose, wine-red, and white. Great for boutonnieres. |
Centaurea montana Native to central European mountains, this perennial does best in zones 2-9 and 14-24. Leaves are grey-green and form a clump around 2 feet tall and wide. Cornflower-like blooms top stems in late spring through midsummer. Variety 'Black Sprite' (pictured) has spidery, dark flowers. This species should be given protection from snails, and divided every other year. Water regularly. |
Centaurea moschata (Amberboa moschata) (Sweet Sultan) This annual flowering plant is native to Asia Minor and does best in zones 1-24. Has an erect habit, and branches out at the base. Gets to 10 inches wide and 2-3 feet tall. Flowers are fluffy and bloom from spring to fall in shades of lilac and pink, though sometimes in white or yellow in certain varieties. Great as a cut flower. Needs a lot of heat for best performance, and does not do well with overhead water. |
Centaurea rothrockii Can be an annual or biennial, and grows best in zones 1-24. Native to Southwestern United States, this plat gets to 3-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Flowers have an exotic look, are about 5 inches wide, and bloom from the middle of summer through fall. Blooms are cream or yellow in the centers, and pink around the edges. Seeds for this species should be started inside in frost-prone areas, and then planted outdoors in spring after the last chance of frost has passed. If cutting for arrangements, cut just before the flowers open. |
Caring for Centaurea
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
Wikipedia:
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 230 - 231, Centaurea
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