Centaurea montana Alba (Mountain Cornflower)
Centaurea montana ‘Alba’ (Mountain Cornflower) is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial boasting white fringed flowers, sometimes tinged pink, in late spring to early summer. Attracting bees, butterflies and other admirers, the thistle-like blossoms appear atop the foliage of soft, gray-green, lance-shaped leaves.
Centaurea montana 'Alba' (Mountain Cornflower) is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial boasting white fringed flowers, sometimes tinged pink, in late spring to early summer. Attracting bees, butterflies and other admirers, the thistle-like blossoms appear atop the foliage of soft, gray-green, lance-shaped leaves. Trouble-free and easy to grow, this fanciful bloomer is a great choice for cottage gardens, sunny borders, or containers.
- Grows up to 18 in. tall (45 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 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 | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ (30cm) |
| 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 |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |