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    • Photo of Centaurea scabiosa flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Centaurea scabiosa

    Also Known As

    • Centaurea scabiosa 'Perennial Butterfly'
    • Greater Knapweed
    • Perennial Bachelor Button
    • Perennial Butterfly Cornflower

    Plant type

    perennial

    size

    • H: 2'
    • W: 3'

    planting zones

    • 3a-10b

    Centaurea scabiosa plant details

    Centaurea scabiosa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer purple flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Centaurea scabiosa

    Plant type: perennial
    Plant family: asteraceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 3 FT wide, 2 FT tall
    Flowers: purple blooms in summer
    Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, native plant

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Centaurea scabiosa

    USDA Zones: 3a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
    Watering frequency: regular - occasional
    Resistant to: deer
    Soil needs: average and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    In the world of important bee and butterfly plants, this perennial takes center stage. The vibrant violet thistle-like single flowers are rich with nectar and pollen. Native to Europe, where it is often called greater knapweed, it is a well-behaved member of the centaurea genus. Lime enriched soil suits it best. Summer-blooming.

    By: Select Seeds

    Invite butterflies into your garden with this pretty, English native Centaurea. The bee attracting, 2” wide, violet-purple flowers emerge from beautiful buds & 2’ tall, erect stems all Summer long. Easy & tough! Best display will be in rich soil. To 2’ wide.

    By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Gardening facts about Centaurea scabiosa plant

    How to Grow Centaurea scabiosa

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly sun

    • Water Needs

      • regular - occasional

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • purple

    • Wildlife

      • bees
      • butterflies
      • deer resistant

    • Flower Season

      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    • Texture

      • fuzzy

    See other plant types of Centaurea for your garden

    Centaurea orientalis

    aka Cornflower

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    6a-10b

    Size

    Height: 24"

    Width: 12"

    • sun
    • occasional - drought tolerant
    Photo of Centaurea orientalis flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
    View Plant

    Centaurea cyanus 'Black Gem'

    aka Cyanus segetum 'Black Gem', Black Gem Bachelor's Buttons

    Plant Type

    Annual / Biennial

    Zones

    1-11

    Size

    Height: 12"-24"

    Width: 6"-12"

    • sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Centaurea cyanus 'Black Gem' flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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    Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Diadem'

    aka Cyanus segetum 'Blue Diadem', Blue Diadem Bachelor's Buttons

    Plant Type

    Annual / Biennial

    Zones

    1-11

    Size

    Height: 24"-36"

    Width: 12"-30"

    • sun - mostly sun
    • occasional - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Diadem' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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    Centaurea cineraria

    aka Centaurea candidissima, Centaurea gymnocarpa, Dusty Miller, Velvet Centaurea, Velvet Centaurea

    Plant Type

    Shrub, Perennial

    Zones

    7a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-4'

    Width: 8'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Centaurea cineraria flower, foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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    Centaurea nervosa

    aka Centaurea uniflora ssp. nervosa, Singleflower Knapweed

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    7a-10b

    Size

    Height: 20"-24"

    Width: 12"-18"

    • sun
    • regular
    Photo of Centaurea nervosa flower, foliage by Far Reaches Farm
    View Plant

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    +38 more Centaurea
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