Centaurea montana Amethyst Dream (Mountain Cornflower)
Centaurea montana ‘Amethyst Dream’ (Mountain Cornflower) is a spreading, herbaceous perennial boasting radiant royal-purple, thistle-like flowers in late spring to early summer. Attracting bees, butterflies and other admirers, the blossoms appear atop the foliage of softly haired silver leaves.
Centaurea montana 'Amethyst Dream' (Mountain Cornflower) is a spreading, herbaceous perennial boasting radiant royal-purple, thistle-like flowers in late spring to early summer. Attracting bees, butterflies and other admirers, the blossoms appear atop the foliage of softly haired silver leaves. Trouble-free and easy to grow, this fanciful bloomer is a great choice for cottage gardens, sunny borders, or containers.
- Grows up to 20 in. tall (50 cm) and 28 in. wide (70 cm).
- Performs best in full sun or light shade in average, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Poor soils, heat and drought tolerant.
- Good choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows, coastal gardens and containers. Great as cut flowers too!
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
- Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, and cut back in fall.
- Propagate by division in spring or autumn.
- Centaurea montana species is native to Europe, where it grows in meadows and open woodland in the upper montane and sub-alpine zones. This popular garden perennial has become an invasive species in British Columbia, Canada.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Centaurea – Cornflowers |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early) |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spacing | 30″ (75cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |