Go Back Bachelor's Button Montana Blue

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 4:02 PM
Centaurea montana 'Blue'
    Butterfly IconDeer Resistant Icon

    Plant Type: Perennials

    The cornflower-blue, fringed blossoms of this perennial attract butterflies like magnets in the garden. Centaura blooms from early to midsummer and usually blooms again in the fall if plants are cut back hard after the first flush. The flowers are old-fashioned favorites in cut flower bouquets. This species is a low, spreading one and it will self-seed prolifically if it is not deadheaded. However, it looks best when planted en mass where the blue flower display has the most visual impact.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    This perennial is simple to grow and maintain. It needs full sun and thrives in well-drained, limey soils. It is native to dry sites, making it somewhat drought tolerant. Avoid soil that is soggy in winter, which will almost certainly kill it. If planted in too much shade Centaurea will become leggy and floppy. Growing it in full sun and cutting it back hard after flowering should eliminate the need to stake it. To prevent overcrowding, division should be performed every 2-4 years in the spring.

    Flower Color

    Blue

    Foliage Color

    Green

    Plant Spread

    24-36 in.

    Good Companions

    Coreopsis-Threadleaf (Coreopsis verticillata), Gayfeather (Liatris spicata), Grass-Ornamental (Helictotrichon sempervirens), Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis), Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber), Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum), Silver Mound Artemesia (Artemisia schmidtiana), Snow in Summer (Cerastium tomentosum), Yarrow (Achillea )

    Plant Height

    24 in.

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    3-8

    Soil Moisture

    Low to average water needs

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Cut flower or foliage, Drought tolerant, Border, Mass Plant

    Bloom Time

    Early to midsummer/fall

    Critter Resistance

    Deer resistant

    Exposure

    Full sun

    Growth Rate

    Medium

    Seasonal Interests

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