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Centaurea cyanus 'Emperor William'

Also Known As

  • Cyanus segetum 'Emperor William'
  • Emperor William Bachelor's Button
  • Emperor William Cornflower

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 24"-36"
  • W: 6"-18"

planting zones

  • 1-12

Centaurea cyanus 'Emperor William' plant details

Centaurea cyanus 'Emperor William' is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Centaurea cyanus 'Emperor William'

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 6 IN - 18 IN - wide, 24 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, long-blooming, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Centaurea cyanus 'Emperor William'

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Lapis-blue single flowers on an airy plant with silvery green narrow foliage. An heirloom variety referenced in many an early seed list, it makes excellent cut flowers and blooms early summer. Self sows.

Gardening facts about Centaurea cyanus 'Emperor William' plant

How to Grow Centaurea cyanus 'Emperor William'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Centaurea for your garden

aka Cornflower

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 24"

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
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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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More Options

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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aka Centaurea scabiosa 'Perennial Butterfly', Greater Knapweed, Perennial Bachelor Button, Perennial Butterfly Cornflower

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - occasional
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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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