Centaurea montana
Perennial Cornflower
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Perennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana) - Description
Centaurea montana (perennial cornflower, mountain cornflower, bachelor's button, montane knapweed or mountain bluet) is a species of Centaurea endemic to Europe. It is widespread and common in the more southerly mountain ranges of Europe, but is rarer in the north. It escapes from gardens readily, and has thereby become established in the British Isles, Scandinavia and North America.
Perennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana) - Blooming
The few species that are cultivated for horticultural reasons are mostly done so for cut flowers. When sown in April/May, will bloom between June and September. The critical factor in blooming success of cornflowers is lighting: the plant needs about three weeks of long days in order to bloom.
Perennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana) - Growth
Although there are about 500 species, they all perform best with full sun. All horticultural species are easy to grow. Centaurea attracts bees and butterflies. Grow Centaurea in a border or rock garden. Many species of Centaurea produce flowers that are suitable for cutting.
Perennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana) - Planting
Can be planted either through seeds or starter plants. When using seeds, sow directly into the ground during spring (April/May). In overall warmer and brighter climates (like California or Florida), seeds may be sown in September to yield blooms in late winter (February).
Perennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana) - Pest
Potential threats include aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers, and most plant diseases (especially botrytis, fusarium, mildew, rust, sclerotina, and root rot induced by pythium or rhizoctonia).
Perennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana) - Interesting facts
Herbaceous thistles from the Old World. Excellent source of nectar. In the olden days, some men would place one of cornflower in one of their buttonholes before going courting, hence the nickname "Bachelor's Button". Cornflowers have been popular in North American gardens since Colonial times.
Perennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana) - Soil and irrigation
Add lime to acidic soils for best plant performance. Centaurea does best in well-draining soil.
