With flower colours varying from brilliant blue to pink, Centaurea are best known for Centaurea cyanus or ‘Blue Cornflowers’. However a number of other species are also used in the garden.
Centaurea are referred to as bachelor’s buttons, cornflowers or basket flowers and some species are used for the silver foliage such as Centaurea rutifolia.
The blue flowering Centurea cyanus is well know, used widely as a long lasting cut flower. Nice upright stems hold masses of brilliant deep blue flowers above. Centaurea cineraria is known as ‘Dusty Miller’ and the silver foliage variety is an excellent plant for contrast in the border.
These are an easy care group of plants, tolerant of dry conditions, flowering over months from spring to summer and requiring little extra care.
Propagation is from seed or by division of established clumps.
Centaurea plants are available for sale from the following nurseries
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au