Photo of Centaurea montana form by Stefan.lefnaer

Photo by Stefan.lefnaer

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Centaurea montana

Also Known As

  • Cyanus montanus
  • Mountain Bluet
  • Mountain Cornflower
  • Perennial Bachelor Buttons
  • Perennial Cornflower

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 18"
  • W: 18"

planting zones

  • 3a-8b

More Options

Centaurea montana plant details

Centaurea montana is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with blue foliage. In fall, spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Centaurea montana

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue
Mature size: 18 IN wide, 18 IN tall
Flowers: blue blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, long-blooming

GROWING CONDITIONS for Centaurea montana

USDA Zones: 3a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Centaurea montana, the perennial bachelor's button, is a cottage garden classic with feathery, royal blue flowers with dark pink centres. Plants will re-bloom almost endlessly if cut back after the first flowering.
From Europe (montana doesn't meant Montana but Mountain!) but the bloom looks more like it came from another planet! Quite Star Trek-y if you look closely and you should!. Strange but beautiful enough that members have put 32 photos on Dave's Garden! Stoloniferous and does spread if happy. Needs to be divided every 2-3 years so it's a pass-along plant. Solitary, fringed, rich blue cornflowers to 2" in diameter with reddish blue centers and black-edged involucre bract in late spring on 1-2' un-branched stems. Lance-shaped lower leaves to 7" are grey green. Drought tolerant when established.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Gardening facts about Centaurea montana plant

How to Grow Centaurea montana

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
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