Photo of Centaurea montana 'Black Sprite' flower by Forestfarm

Photo by Forestfarm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Centaurea montana 'Black Sprite'

Also Known As

  • Cyanus montanus 'Black Sprite'
  • Black Sprite Bachelor's Button

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 12"-24"
  • W: 12"-24"

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Centaurea montana 'Black Sprite' plant details

Centaurea montana 'Black Sprite' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green and white foliage. In spring and summer black and purple flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Centaurea montana 'Black Sprite'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green and white
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: black and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: cottage garden, cutting garden, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Centaurea montana 'Black Sprite'

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Silky black petals form spidery starbursts on this compact (14"t 24"w) drought-tolerant perennial in early summer, its silver-tinted gray-green foliage a nice backdrop; stunning in border/container/bouquet. S/M-D/GDr
Zn 3. Gray-green foliage, shaggy maroon flower.
A new colour form of a classic old-time favourite. 'Black Sprite' has purple-black flowers in place of the regular royal blue. Try planting a clump of this regular blue form with 'Black Sprite' and the white-flowered 'Amethyst in Snow' for a trio of white, dark purple and blue. Nice. If plants get leggy, chop them hard to the ground and they will soon reflush.

Gardening facts about Centaurea montana 'Black Sprite' plant

How to Grow Centaurea montana 'Black Sprite'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • white
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • purple
    • black
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • fuzzy
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved