Centaurea atropurpurea (Dark Purple Knapweed)
Centaurea atropurpurea (Dark Purple Knapweed) is a clump-forming, woody-based perennial with deep ruby-red, thistle-like flowers in summer. Attracting bees, butterflies and other admirers, the blossoms open from attractive bronze-colored scaled buds. They sit atop strong, upright stems above a rosette of feathery, silver-gray leaves.
Centaurea atropurpurea (Dark Purple Knapweed) is a clump-forming, woody-based perennial with deep ruby-red, thistle-like flowers in summer. Attracting bees, butterflies and other admirers, the blossoms open from attractive bronze-colored scaled buds. They sit atop strong, upright stems above a rosette of feathery, silver-gray leaves. Native to Romania and the Balkan Peninsula, this striking plant with curious reddish – purple flowers is perfect for the water-wise garden.
- Grows up to 36-40 in. tall (90-100 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in fairly dry, poor, well-drained soils. This cornflower can be invasive if the soil is rich and moist. Drought tolerant once established.
- Good choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows, coastal gardens and gravel gardens. Great as cut flowers too!
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew. Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division in spring or autumn.
- Centaurea atropurpurea is native to Romania and the Balkan Peninsula.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Centaurea – Cornflowers |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |