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Centaurea atropurpurea (Maroon cornflower)
2 hours care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
0.6m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Centaurea atropurpurea
Other names
Centaurea benoistii, Maroon cornflower, Cheirolophus benoistii
Genus
Centaurea Centaurea
Species
C. atropurpurea - C. atropurpurea is a clump-forming, woody-based perennial with deeply divided (pinnatisect), grey-green leaves and strong, upright stems bearing spiny, scaled buds opening to deep red or maroon, thistle-like flower heads in summer.
Centaurea atropurpurea is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
Flower
Maroon, Dark-red in Summer
Foliage
Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Powdery mildew Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Centaurea atropurpurea (Maroon cornflower) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Low Maintenance, Wildflower, Wildlife, Beds and borders, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Prairie planting
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant once established. May be invasive in rich, moist soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Centaurea atropurpurea
Other names
Centaurea benoistii, Maroon cornflower, Cheirolophus benoistii
Genus
Centaurea Centaurea
Species
C. atropurpurea - C. atropurpurea is a clump-forming, woody-based perennial with deeply divided (pinnatisect), grey-green leaves and strong, upright stems bearing spiny, scaled buds opening to deep red or maroon, thistle-like flower heads in summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
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Colour
Flower
Maroon, Dark-red in Summer
Foliage
Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Centaurea atropurpurea (Maroon cornflower) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Low Maintenance, Wildflower, Wildlife, Beds and borders, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Prairie planting
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant once established. May be invasive in rich, moist soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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