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Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball'

Also Known As

  • Cyanus segetum 'Black Ball'
  • Black Ball Bachelor Buttons

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 1'

planting zones

  • 1-12

More Options

Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball' plant details

Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball' is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with blue and green foliage. In summer black and purple flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball'

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 1 FT wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: black and purple blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, long-blooming, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball'

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Dark flowered corn flower. Long bloomer. Good cut flowers.

Gardening facts about Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball' plant

How to Grow Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • purple
    • black
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • fuzzy

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
Photo of Centaurea orientalis flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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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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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
Photo of Centaurea scabiosa flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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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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More Options

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