Centaurea macrocephala

Also Known As

Great Golden Knapweed

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-5'
W: 2'

planting zones

4a-9b

More Options

Centaurea macrocephala plant details

Centaurea macrocephala is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Centaurea macrocephala

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, dried-arrangements, unique, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Centaurea macrocephala

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Centaurea macrocephala, the giant knapweed, great-headed centaury, or yellow bachelor's button, is a sturdy, clump-forming perennial to 3-4 feet high with bright yellow, early to mid summer, globe-like flowers emerging from shiny brown bracts. Great for the middle to back of the border. Tolerant of dry soils once established. Attracts bees and butterflies.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

I love the papery feel of the blonde sepals that sheathe and support the brilliant yellow flower. A very easy plant for the mid to back of the sunny border as they can grow from 24"-36" tall.

By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Tall robust clumps support very large-headed (macrocephala) yellow thistle flowers that open from fat rusty buds - easy to cut and dry for interesting arrangements. Bold companions are a necessity.

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

An overgrown, sun-struck relative of the Bachelor Button, this “big-headed” native of the Caucasus Mountains has so many good qualities you’ll soon be inviting it into your garden. A medium green, rowdy mass of oversized, wavy-edged lanceolate leaves attached to stout stems gives way to intriguing, rust-colored buds as big as a chicken’s egg. Scaled by papery bracts, the bud’s rotund profile opens to offer a large, bright yellow thistle, a cheerful mop of threadlike petals bursting with sunshine and color. Back this easy-to-grow cut flower with Cotinus ‘Grace’ and surround it with Nepeta ‘Pool Bank’.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

A bold perennial forming large clumps of felted, lance-shaped, dissected leaves. In summer, large, golden yellow, pincushion-like flowers burst forth from dark brown, goblet-like buds, atop tall, leafy, robust stems. Tough and glorious. In our climate semi-dormant after flowering. Must have good drainage