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Centaurea montana 'Blue Cornflower' (1 Gallon) is a vibrant perennial known for its striking blue flowers and rugged nature. It’s a great choice for adding a splash of color to garden beds and borders.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 12-18 inches with a spread of 12-24 inches. Forms a bushy clump with lance-shaped leaves and striking, spiky blue flowers.
- Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate some shade but will bloom best with ample sun.
- Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during dry periods, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 3-8.
- Bloom Time: Blooms in late spring to early summer, producing vibrant blue, thistle-like flowers. The blooms are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the entire plant in late fall or early spring to promote fresh growth.
How to Plant:
- Location: Ideal for garden beds, borders, and wildflower gardens. Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location but can tolerate light shade.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil. Amend with compost to improve soil fertility and structure if needed.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and to ensure good air circulation.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Fun Fact: Centaurea montana, commonly known as the “Blue Cornflower”, was historically used in traditional medicine and as a dye plant. It’s also known for its long-lasting cut flowers, making it a favorite for floral arrangements. This hardy perennial not only adds a burst of color to the garden but also attracts beneficial insects, enhancing the health of your garden ecosystem.