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Centaurea jacea (Brown knapweed)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.6m
Max height
Max height
0.45m
Max spread
Max spread
1-2 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Centaurea jacea
Other names
Brown knapweed, Brown-ray knapweed, Brownray knapweed
Genus
Centaurea Centaurea
Species
C. jacea - C. jacea is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with lance-shaped, shallowly-lobed, grey-green leaves and, from early summer to early autumn, upright, branched stems bearing thistle-like, purple-pink flowers with narrow, tubular, fringed petals.
Centaurea jacea is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect flower stem
Flower
Purple-pink in Summer; Purple-pink in Autumn
Foliage
Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Powdery mildew Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong the flowering season and to prevent unwanted seedlings.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Centaurea jacea (Brown knapweed) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.45m after 1-2 years.
Suggested uses
Coastal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Containers, Wildflower, Wildlife
Cultivation
Best in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Tolerates dry, alkaline soil and neglect. Self-seeds readily so may become invasive. Considered an invasive species in North America.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, 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 jacea
Other names
Brown knapweed, Brown-ray knapweed, Brownray knapweed
Genus
Centaurea Centaurea
Species
C. jacea - C. jacea is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with lance-shaped, shallowly-lobed, grey-green leaves and, from early summer to early autumn, upright, branched stems bearing thistle-like, purple-pink flowers with narrow, tubular, fringed petals.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect flower stem
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Colour
Flower
Purple-pink in Summer; Purple-pink in Autumn
Foliage
Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong the flowering season and to prevent unwanted seedlings.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Centaurea jacea (Brown knapweed) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.45m after 1-2 years.
Suggested uses
Coastal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Containers, Wildflower, Wildlife
Cultivation
Best in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Tolerates dry, alkaline soil and neglect. Self-seeds readily so may become invasive. Considered an invasive species in North America.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, 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
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, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
Following the success of the gold medal winning L'Occitane Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year, L'Occitane is delighted to return to Chelsea once again in 2016 with a new show garden to… read more
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