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

Royal blue, old-fashioned flowers that will re-bloom almost endlessly if cut back after the first flowering. Good pruning will also encourage the plant to form a very nice natural clump.
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
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low

Features

  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
    • fall
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
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