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  • CENTAUREA
    CENTAUREA
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
    <
    CENTAUREA   CENTAUREA   CENTAUREA   GERANIUM phaeum 'Album' and STOKESIA laevis 'Blue Star'
© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. GLADIOLUS communis subsp. Byzantinus and STOKESIA laevis 'Blue Star'
© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. STOKESIA laevis 'Blue Star' and TULBAGHIA violacea
© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
    >

    CENTAUREA

    Commonly known as Knapweed

    Genus of about 650 species of annuals, perennials and subshrubs widely found in dry sites, rocky mountain slopes, subalpine meadows, woodland and sand dunes mainly in Europe and the Mediterranean.

     Some Knapweeds in the wild can be invasive but garden forms are ornamental and all are beneficial to insects.

    In the UK the common C. nigra, Hardhead, can be dried and flower tops make a pale yellow-green dye.

    The native perennial Greater knapweed, C. scabiosa can be found mainly in the south and east of England in hedgerows, on roadsides and in dry grassland.

    Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
    • Flowering
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    • Good to know
      Wildlife plant - bees and butterflies.
    • Pests & Diseases
      Powdery mildew.
    • Place of origin
      Europe, Mediterranean, North America, Australia.
    • Herbaceous
      Thistle-like, spherical or hemispherical flowers with tubular florets.
    • Fertile well drained soil
    • Full sun
    View Planting Tips and Care Advice
    Centaurea - Growing Guide
    View Customers Also Bought

    varieties

    CENTAUREA 'Jordy'
    Deep reddish-purple feathery flowers and silvery leaves
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £14.00
    Available again from summer 2026
    Could be any time, June through to end August. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    CENTAUREA 'Silver Feather'
    Compact. Lilac-pink cornflowers above frosted silver foliage
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £14.00
    Available again from summer 2026
    Could be any time, June through to end August. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order

    Useful extras...

    Vermin & Pest Control
    Slug killer blue mini pellets are easy to use and give effective control of slugs and snails. Ideal in garden, conservatory or greenhouse.
    800g
    £6.50
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    AFTER PLANT GROW YOUR OWN seaweed is ready to use liquid concentrate that was specially formulated be used on all edible plants.
    1ltr
    £8.50
    Vermin & Pest Control
    This is a non-biological non-chemical plant insecticide and mildewcide. Works against the physical motion of the insect. Perfect for all plants and edible crops.
    500 ml
    £8.00
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