Centaurea nigra (Common knapweed)
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Beginner skill rating |
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0.5m max. spread |
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0.6m max. height |
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2-5 years to maturity |
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1 hour care per year |
Botanical name: Centaurea nigra
Other names: Common knapweed, Lesser knapweed, Hardheads
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Genus: Centaurea
Species: C. nigra - C. nigra is an upright perennial with grey-green, hairy, lance shaped leaves. In summer it has spiky, dark purple-pink flowerheads on branched stems.
Centaurea nigra is: Deciduous
Flower: Purplish-pink, Dark-purple in Summer
Foliage: Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn
Habit: Upright
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Pests: Generally pest free
Specific diseases: Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning: Deadheading helps to prolong the flowering season.. REGISTER to read more...
Propagation methods: Division. REGISTER to read more...
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Centaurea nigra (Common knapweed) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
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Suggested uses: Coastal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Containers, Wildflower, Wildlife
Cultivation: Grow in well-drained soil in full sun.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy |  |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | |
| Light: | Full Sun | |
| Aspect: | South, West | |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | |
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Centaurea nigra
Comment from
Common knapweed is thistle-like in appearance but without spines. Its dark flowerheads with pink-purple flowers are very attractive to insects including hoverflies, bumble bees and a range of day-flying moths. Butterflies also love it and very few plants will attract more than this one.
- Views: 215
- Replies: 0
- Posted: Sun. 17th May 2009 15:04
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